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Obolos 18

21 February 2021
Webauction
overview

Janus, the protector of shipping and trade

Starting Price: 100 CHF
Hammer Price:  360 CHF
Lot 433

C. Fonteius, 114-113 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.94 g, 9 h), Rome. Laureate, janiform head of the Dioscuri; to left, M; to right, denomination mark. Rev. C · FONT / ROMA Galley with three rowers to left, horator at stern. Babelon (Fonteia) 1. Crawford 290/1. Sydenham 555. Gently toned. Very fine.

From the Trausnitz Collection, ex G. Hirsch 187, 19 September 1995, 903.

The Roman god Janus was worshipped primarily as the god of beginnings and endings, the Romans ceremonially opening the doors of his temple to declare war and closing them only once they were at peace. Janus also functioned as the divinity presiding over transitions, and as such was the god Romans looked to as the protector of trade and journeys, especially those by sea. It is not known why the moneyer chose the god Janus and a galley as his types for his coinage, but Roman traders and their equestrian patrons surely must have been happy with it.

Online bidding closes: 21 Feb 2021, 18:36:30 CET Current Date & Time: 28 Mar 2024, 18:21:50 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:360 CHF by vennmar (13 bids)
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