Nomos AG
obolos 18 21 Feb 2021
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C. Fonteius, 114-113 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.94 g, 9 h), Rome. Laureate, janiform head of the Dioscuri; to left, M; to right, denomination mark. Rev. C · FONT / ROMA Galley with three rowers to left, horator at stern. Babelon (Fonteia) 1. Crawford 290/1. Sydenham 555. Gently toned. Very fine.
From the Trausnitz Collection, ex G. Hirsch 187, 19 September 1995, 903.
The Roman god Janus was worshipped primarily as the god of beginnings and endings, the Romans ceremonially opening the doors of his temple to declare war and closing them only once they were at peace. Janus also functioned as the divinity presiding over transitions, and as such was the god Romans looked to as the protector of trade and journeys, especially those by sea. It is not known why the moneyer chose the god Janus and a galley as his types for his coinage, but Roman traders and their equestrian patrons surely must have been happy with it.
From the Trausnitz Collection, ex G. Hirsch 187, 19 September 1995, 903.
The Roman god Janus was worshipped primarily as the god of beginnings and endings, the Romans ceremonially opening the doors of his temple to declare war and closing them only once they were at peace. Janus also functioned as the divinity presiding over transitions, and as such was the god Romans looked to as the protector of trade and journeys, especially those by sea. It is not known why the moneyer chose the god Janus and a galley as his types for his coinage, but Roman traders and their equestrian patrons surely must have been happy with it.