COIN (ROMAN)



A highly worn silver Roman Republican denarius, possibly of the moneyer Safra, dating to the period 150 BC (Reece period 1). Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right. Reverse: Victory riding a biga (two horse chariot) right, SAF(RA) beneath horse, RO[MA] in exergue. Mint of Rome. Cf. RRC, p. 251, no. 206/1. 



Measurements: 18.52mm in diameter, 2.18mm thick and 3.43g in weight.





Discussion:



In RRC, Michael Crawford argues that SAFRA is an unknown cognomen, rather than standing for S(p). Afra(nius). This coin comes from a large issue with 76 obverse and 95 reverse dies. Most Republican coins found in Britain probably came into the province after the conquest of AD 43 when they had already been in circulation for some time and thus, like this example, are often very worn.

Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Safra
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right [behind, X]
Reverse: Victory riding right in biga (two horse chariot).
Reverse legend: SAF(RA) / RO[MA] (in exergue)
Dated: -150.0 to -150.0
Weight (g): 3.43
Diameter (mm): 18.52
Thickness (mm): 2.18
Completeness: Complete
Parish: Leeds
District: Maidstone
County: Kent
Region: South East
Discovery method: Metal detector
RRC reference: rrc-206.1
Notes: 
Object recorded at finds surgery and not taken in by FLO