ROMAN REPUBLICAN. The Social War. Marsic Confederation. 90-89 B.C. AR denarius. 3.8 gm. 18 mm. Corfinium mint. Laureate head of Italia left, wearing earring and pearl necklace / Oath-taking scene of eight warriors, four on each side of a pig held by an attendant, a standard in the background; IIX (Oscan control numeral) in exergue. Sydenham 629. HN Italy 415b. Mint State; small area of flat strike on reverse at 9; very lightly toned. Historic, handsome and rare.

The revolt of Rome's Italian allies stemmed from the Senate's poor handling of their grievances. Once war broke out and two Roman consuls were defeated, leaving Rome perilously close to defeat, the Senate finally moved to nullify the threat by granting Roman citizenship to the rebel forces--the key issue at the root of the conflict. Thereafter all residents of Italy south of the Po were united as citizens of Rome. Rome traditionally turned enemies into friends by granting citizenship. The fascinating coinage of the Marsic Confederation consists primarily of silver modeled on the Roman denarius. On the reverse the oath-taking scene symbolizes unity among the Italian states.