Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 114 13-14 May 2020
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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; viteliú (in Oscan) to right / Soldier standing facing, head right, foot on uncertain object, holding spear and sword; recumbent bull to right; 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.
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.
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.