Obverse: Draped bust of Diana right , bow and quiver over shoulder, bucranium above. 

Reverse: A POST A F S N ALBIN (AL in monogram), rock surmounted by togate figure standing left before altar, holding sprinkler over sacrificial bull.

RRC: 372/1. Sear: 296. CRR: 745. RSC: Postumia 7. [Rome, 81 BC].

Diameter: 19 mm. Weight: 3.82 g.

Ex. CNG.

A wonderful example of this highly sought after type, well centered with exceptional detail and old cabinet toning. The interesting reverse design refers to a legend from early Roman history, specifically the founding of the Temple of Diana on the Avertine Hill by King Servius Tullius. Inspired by the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, built with the cooperation of several Asian cities, Servius lobbied for such a temple in Italy and managed to convince the Latin communities to build a Common Temple on the Avertine Hill. The Romans believed this concession by the Latins meant that their long struggle for supremacy was over and the Latins had accepted them as the caput rerum "the head of things" However, one Sabine citizen had other ideas. On one of the Sabine farms there was a Heifer of marvellous size and beauty, with remarkably unusual horns marking her out as a prodigy. A prophecy foretold that whoever sacrificed the magnificent creature to Diana would make his city the caput rerum. Realising his opportunity, the Sabine led the Heifer to the temple of Diana and stood before the Altar. Already aware of the Prophecy the Roman priest tricks the Sabine: "Stranger, are you preparing to make an impure sacrifice to Diana? Will you not first purify yourself in a living river?" The Sabine heads down to bathe himself in the Tiber and the Roman priest sacrifices the heifer to Diana, ensuring Rome's status as the caput rerum.