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Roman Republic, Denarius

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Roman Republic, Denarius (obverse) Roman Republic, Denarius (reverse)

The obverse of this denarius from the year 85 BC bears a god with the attributes of Apollo (the hairdo and the laurel wreath), of Mercury (the wings), and of Neptune (a trident). The sign behind the trident is the mint control mark, maybe a bow. The reverse depicts Victoria driving a four-horse chariot, a quadriga; the goddess of victory is crowing her horses. Below is the inscription L. IVLIBVRSIO, the signature of the moneyer Lucius Julius Bursio, and above another mint control mark.

The Roman goddess Victoria corresponded to the Greek Nike, the godly personification of victory. She was often depicted flying and with a wreath that she presented to the winner.

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