AR Denarius of L. Scribonius Libo 62 BC., Lightning strikes the Forum

Mint: Rome Obverse: Diademed head of Bonus Eventus right, LIBO behind, BON EVENT before Reverse: Puteal Scribonianum, decorated with garland and two lyres, PVTEAL above, SCRIBON below Weight: 3.79 grams Diameter: 20/17 mm Reference: Crawford 416/1a; Sydenham 928; Scribonia 8a Grade: Very fine, banker’s mark Comments: "Lightning Strikes the Forum" Though a puteal is often described as a "wellhead", the Puteal Scribonianum depicted here was a walled enclosure erected around the spot of a lightning strike in the Roman Forum. The Romans believed such spots were marked by the gods, and hence worthy of veneration. Erected circa 204 BC. by a member of the Libo clan, the Puteal became a popular meeting spot for money lenders and merchants.