COIN (ROMAN)

Silver Republican denarius, anonymous issue of Rome, c. 211-145 BC


Dimensions: 18mm diameter, 1.5mm thick. Weight: 3.13g.


Ruler: Republic
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right; to left, (X?)
Obverse legend: No legend.
Reverse: The Dioscuri riding right, but area under horses obscured.  Above, small C or G?
Reverse legend: ROMA in exergue
Dated: -211.0 to -145.0
Weight (g): 0.4
Diameter (mm): 17.7
Thickness (mm): 0.5
Completeness: Complete
Preservation: Fair
Parish: Restricted Access
District: South Cambridgeshire
County: Cambridgeshire
Region: Eastern
Place known as: Melbourn
Discovery method: Metal detector
Notes: 
The area below the horses has been obscured and it is quite likely that there was a symbol or letters in this area. However, the C or G above the horsemen is unusual and no parallel has been found in RRC. There is an issue with a much larger C above the horseman that was struck in Etruria(?) in 209-8 BC and the rather crude head (note the chin) might suggest it is similar (RRC 107). However, it is unwise to say that this coin is definitely from this issue. Further research will, it is hoped, shed more light. (Sam Moorhead)