CVC & Collectables presents this Roman Republic AR Denarius issued by moneyer L. Rustius, circa 76 or 74 BC. This scarce silver coin features the helmeted head of Mars, Roman god of war, and a standing ram on the reverse — a rare and highly symbolic design from the late Republic. Certified Choice VF by NGC, this specimen shows excellent strike detail and well-centered legends, making it a choice example of this elusive issue.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Roman Republic
- Moneyer: L. Rustius
- Date: Circa 76–74 BC
- Denomination: Silver Denarius
- Weight: ~3.8 grams (typical)
- Diameter: ~19 mm
- Grade: NGC Choice VF
- References: Crawford 389/1; Sydenham 782; Rustia 1
- Mint: Rome
Obverse: Helmeted head of Mars facing right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; border of dots.
(Mars is occasionally misidentified as Minerva due to stylistic similarities.)
Reverse: Ram standing right, with L•RVSTI (L. Rustius) in the exergue. This reverse type is highly unusual in Republican coinage and may hold familial or symbolic meaning related to the Rustia gens.
Collectibility:
This L. Rustius denarius is a scarce and fascinating type from the late Republic, and one of the few issues attributed to the Rustia family. Its NGC Choice VF grade ensures it is well-preserved with strong details. A desirable addition for collectors of:
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Roman Republican silver coinage
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Rare moneyer types
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Mars and military iconography
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Animal-themed ancient coins
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