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Roman Republic, moneyer P FONTEIUS P F CAPTIO III VIR, denarius (coin)
Roman Republic, moneyer P FONTEIUS P F CAPTIO III VIR, denarius (coin)

Roman Republic, moneyer P FONTEIUS P F CAPTIO III VIR, denarius (coin)

Date55 BC
MediumSilver
DimensionsDiameter: 3/4 inches (1.9 cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Mark M. and Lottie Salton
Terms
  • Metalwork
  • Coin
  • Silver
  • Gods
  • Helmets
  • Horses
  • Soldiers
Object number2000.175.108
Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION This is a silver coin made by the moneyer P. Fonteius P. F. Captio. The P. F. in the name may stand for pius felix, or dutiful and lucky. WHERE WAS IT MADE? This coin was made in Italy during the time of the Roman Republic HOW WAS IT MADE? This coin was made by striking two metal dies, like stamps, onto either side of a heated silver metal blank (a round blank disk of silver). The dies were often made of bronze. The die for the obverse, or front side of the coin, (in this case, the side with the head of Mars) was set in an anvil. The blank was set on the die, then the die for the reverse side was placed on top and struck with a hammer. This technique can rapidly produce multiple copies. HOW WAS IT USED? Just as coins are used today, in ancient Greece they were used to purchase goods. Governments or rulers established the value of different coins based on their weight. From the late 3rd century BC, the standard Roman silver coin was the denarius, worth ten pounds (known as asses). During the Roman republic, moneyers consisted of a committee of three (increased by Julius Caesar to four) who designed their own coins. The markings “III VIR” are short for III VIR AAAFF, which stood for “three men for the striking and casting bronze, silver and copper.” The coins functioned partly as a sort of political propaganda, to advance the names of the men who made them. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? Notice the head on the obverse (front) of the coin; it is of Mars, the Roman god of war, wearing a crested helmet and with a trophy behind his left shoulder. On the reverse is a horseman galloping with his mantle flying, spearing a Gaulish warrior who attacks an unarmed kneeling captive. This image apparently recalls the exploits of a kinsman, possibly during a governorship in Gaul.
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