Description

L. Procilius L.f. (the historian), circa 80 BC. Denarius Serratus (Silver, 18.06 mm, 3.85 g). Rome. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat' skin headdress; behind, S C. Rev. Juno Sospita in biga right, hurling spear and holding shield; below horses, serpent; in exergue, L PROCILI F. Crawford 379/2. Babelon (Procilia) 2. Sydenham 772. Lightly toned. A full Good Very Fine.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THIS COIN:

The erect serpent coiled beneath the horses on the reverse refers to the sanctuary of Juno Sospita in Lanuvium (hometown of the Procilia family):

The Trial: Every spring, young women were led blindfolded into a dark sacred cave to offer honey cakes to a giant sacred serpent.

The Stakes: If the snake accepted the food, the maiden was proven chaste, promising a fertile crop year for the town. If the snake turned away, it was declared an ill omen of unchastity, sparking town-wide panic!

The Saw-Tooth Edge (Serratus)

The notched outer rim was cut into the blank silver planchet before striking. While Romans likely did this for aesthetic style or quality control, Germanic tribes specifically preferred denarii serrati—the deep cuts proved the coin was solid silver through and through, rather than a plated copper fake (fourrée).