Roman Republic Denarius Ti. Minucius C.f. Augurinus Very Fine

Roman Republic denariusTi. Minucius C.f. Augurinus struck at Rome 134 BC.  Very Fine or better, well struck and centred.

The reverse type shows the Columna Minucia, a monument raised for the moneyer’s ancestor Lucius Minucius Augurinus who, as praefectus annonae in 440 BC, distributed grain at a reduced price during a shortage, the corn ears either side of the monument refer to this event.  It also may or may not be coincidence that the Gracchi brothers were active at this time campaigning for both land reform and a grain subsidy. Tiberius Gracchus became Tribune in December the year this coin was struck and it’s conceivable it represents political support for his cause as well as a celebration of the moneyer’s ancestors.

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right, quadrangular device behind
Reverse: TI MINVCI C F, RO-MA, AVGVRINI to left, above and to right of two togate figures, the one on the left holding a patera, the other holding a lituus, standing by statue on column with a corn ear to each side
References: RRC 243/1, RSC Minucia 9, RCV 120
Diameter: 16mm
Weight: 3.86 grams

The Small Print:

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