Roman Republic AE As, Janus/Prow, Rome, c. 211–206 BC, Second Punic War

Roman Republic, As, bronze, Rome mint, 211–206 BC, 35.8 g, 33 mm. Anepigraphic obverse with bearded double head of Janus. Reverse with prow of galley right; legend ROMA. Struck at Rome on the sextantal reduction standard during the Second Punic War, with the large-flan fabric characteristic of the early anonymous struck bronzes. Reference: Sear RCV I 627.

Issued amid the monetary reform of 211 BC, this As represents the Republic’s shift from heavy cast aes grave to lighter struck bronze to meet wartime needs against Carthage. Janus served as the conventional type for the As denomination, while the prow symbolized Rome’s naval capacity; the legend ROMA identified the coin as state issue. These coins formed the backbone of daily transactions across Italy during the conflict and the subsequent consolidation of Roman power.