Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXV 22-23 Sep 2022
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C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate janiform heads of the Dioscuri; C (control letter) in left field, mark of value in right field / Galley sailing to left with three rowers, gubernator at stern; C•FONT (partially ligate) above, ROMA below. Crawford 290/1; BMCRR Italy 598; RSC Fonteia 1. 3.96g, 20mm, 10h.
Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.
Acquired from Cayón Numismática.
In his oration Pro Fonteio, Cicero mentions that the Fonteii came originally from Tusculum, of which municipium it was one of the most distinguished families. The Fonteii claimed descent from Fontus, the son of Janus. A two-faced head appears on a coin of Gaius Fonteius, which Jean Foy Vaillant and others suppose to be the head of Fontus or Janus, in reference to this tradition. But as Janus is always represented in later times with a beard, Eckhel maintains that the two heads refer to the Dioscuri, who were worshipped at Tusculum with special honours, and who may be regarded as the Di Penates of the gens. Michael Crawford likewise favours a depiction of the Dioscuri as they appear on other coins of the Fonteii. The galley on the reverse meanwhile is a reference to Telegonus, son of Ulysses and according to myth the founder of Tusculum.
Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.
Acquired from Cayón Numismática.
In his oration Pro Fonteio, Cicero mentions that the Fonteii came originally from Tusculum, of which municipium it was one of the most distinguished families. The Fonteii claimed descent from Fontus, the son of Janus. A two-faced head appears on a coin of Gaius Fonteius, which Jean Foy Vaillant and others suppose to be the head of Fontus or Janus, in reference to this tradition. But as Janus is always represented in later times with a beard, Eckhel maintains that the two heads refer to the Dioscuri, who were worshipped at Tusculum with special honours, and who may be regarded as the Di Penates of the gens. Michael Crawford likewise favours a depiction of the Dioscuri as they appear on other coins of the Fonteii. The galley on the reverse meanwhile is a reference to Telegonus, son of Ulysses and according to myth the founder of Tusculum.