D. Silanus L.f.. Denarius

D. Silanus L.f.; 91 BC, Denarius, 3.94g. Crawford-337/2f, Syd-645c. Obv: SALVS, Diademed head of Salus r; before, P. Rx: [D] SILANVS L F, Victory in fast quadriga r. holding palm and reins; below, wing. Crawford (p. 338) shows that the wing symbol is an engraver's mark, and by implication also classifies the letter "P" which always appears on the obverse as something other than a control mark. Cf. CNG E443, lot 457: "As this is the issue where E.L.P. ("E LEGE PAPIRIA") and L.P.D.A.P. occur on the related bronzes ("LEGE PAPIRIA DE ASSIS PONDERE"), perhaps the P stands for Papiria, though this isn't suggested by Crawford, Grueber, Babelon, or Sydenham. In fact, all say nothing at all. Bahrfeldt does comment in Nachtraege volume 3 (1918) and suggests (but without any discussion) that it stands for Publice – presumably meaning public money".. VF