Lot description:
L. Scribonius Libo. 62 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.64 g, 7h). Rome mint. Diademed head of Bonus Eventus right / Puteal Scribonianum (Scribonian wellhead), decorated with garland and two lyres; hammer at base. Crawford 416/1a; Sydenham 928; Scribonia 8a; RBW 1500. Scattered marks, small edge lamination, slightly off center. VF.
Though a puteal is often described as a "wellhead," the Puteal Scribonianum depicted here was a walled enclosure erected around the spot of a lightning strike in the Roman Forum. The Romans believed such spots were marked by the gods, and hence worthy of veneration. Erected circa 204 BC by a member of the Libo clan, the Puteal became a popular meeting spot for money lenders and merchants.
Estimate: 100 USD | |