The Social War
565. The Social War. Coinage of the Marsic Confederation. 90-88 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.89 g, 12h). Bovianum(?) mint. Series 9b, 89 BC. Laureate head of Italia left, wearing single drop earring and pearl necklace; √iLETˆW (viteliú in Oscan) to right / Soldier standing facing, head right, foot on uncertain object, holding spear and sword; recumbent bull to right; 5 (= Oscan I) in exergue. Campana, Monetazione 137i (D94/R116 – this coin cited); Sydenham 627; RBW 1218 var. (control letter). Attractive cabinet toning with a touch of iridescence, struck from a worn reverse die. EF. Rare. ($3000) From the Benito Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1351; Münzen und Medaillen AG 43 (12 November 1970), lot 99. The revolt of Rome’s Italian allies (socii, hence ‘Social War’) broke out toward the close of the year 91 BC and was the culmination of longstanding grievances occasioned by the Senate’s inept handling of foreign relations. The Marsi were especially prominent in this movement, hence the name ‘Marsic Confederation,’ which is often applied to the rebel state. The main fighting was in the years 90-89 BC and the rebellion assumed alarming proportions when both consuls for 90 BC were defeated by rebel armies. Rome appeared to be in serious danger of defeat, but the movement collapsed as suddenly as it had begun. The victory was probably achieved largely through the political concession of granting Roman citizenship to the enemy. Thereafter, all of Italy south of the Po was united by this common bond. The coinage of the Marsic Confederation is of great interest, consisting principally of silver denarii, some of which bear the names of the rebel generals.
566. L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.06 g, 9h). Rome mint. Bareheaded and bearded head of King Tatius right / Abduction of the Sabine Women: two soldiers, facing each other, each carrying off a Sabine woman in his arms. Crawford 344/1a; Sydenham 698; Tituria 1; RBW –. Attractive cabinet toning with a hint of iridescence, reverse struck slightly off center. EF. ($500) From the Benito Collection.
567 568 567. L. Rubrius Dossenus. 87 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.40 g, 7h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Jupiter right, with scepter over shoulder / Triumphal quadriga right, with side-panel decorated with thunderbolt. Crawford 348/1; Sydenham 705; Rubria 1; RBW 1322. Iridescent toning. Good VF. ($200) From the Benito Collection.
Pedigreed to 1956 568. L. Sulla. 84-83 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.98 g, 12h). Military mint moving with Sulla. Diademed head of Venus right; to right, Cupid standing left, holding palm frond / Capis and lituus between two trophies. Crawford 359/2; Sydenham 761a; Cornelia 30; RBW 1364. Attractive cabinet toning. Good VF. ($500) From the Benito Collection. Ex Apostolo Zeno Collection (Dorotheum, 8 June 1956), lot 2718.
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