Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

C. Poblicius Q.f. Silver Denarius (3.65 g), 80 BC. Rome. ROMA behind, draped bust of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet ornamented with plumes on sides; above, O. Reverse C POBLICI Q F, Hercules standing left, strangling the Nemean lion; between his feet, club; in left field, bow and quiver; above, O. Crawford 380/1; Sydenham 768; Poblicia 9. Boldly struck, well centered and lustrous, all delicately toned. Mint State.

Although the moneyer is unattested except for his coins, his family is well known for having built the small Aventine road, the Clivus Poblicius, as well as the temple of Flora, whose games they instituted in 241 BC. The types chosen by the moneyer for his coins should probably be viewed in light of Sulla's victories, but possibly there is a family connection as well. The reverse type showing Hercules strangling the Nemean lion may allude to the moneyer's family origins at Cora, where there was a famous temple to Hercules, and from Cora even further back to Argos and the valley of Nemea where Hercules killed the lion. The Phrygian helmet worn by Roma seems to be a simple artistic feature, with no further significance other than perhaps reflecting an awareness of Trojan origins.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Ex Künker 174 (9 September 2010), 534.