AR Denarius of M. Sergius Silus 116-115 BC., Soldier on horseback, holding sword

Mint: Rome Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right, EX • S • C before, ROMA and mark of value behind Reverse: Soldier on horseback rearing left, holding sword and severed head of barbarian, Q below horses leg, M•SERGI below, SILVS in ex Weight: 3.78 grams Diameter: 19/17 mm Reference: Crawford 286/1; Sergia 1 Grade: Very fine, struck off center Comments: The gens Sergia was a family of high patrician rank, which according to Virgil traced its origin to Sergestus, the companion of Aeneas. The inion on this denarius indicated that it was struck in Silus official capacity as quaestor and under the direct mandate of the senate. The reverse portrays the Roman hero and grandfather of this moneyer, M. Sergius, a veteran of outstanding courage and fortitude, as evidenced by his exploits in the Gallic and Hannibalic wars. In respect of this amazing man is a passage in Pliny, who describes Sergius as having lost his right hand in battle, and in two campaigns receiving three and twenty wounds. Yet fighting on a further four times with his left hand only, and afterwards, having made himself an iron hand and fastened it to himself, he continued to engage in mortal combat with the enemies of Rome.