Obverse: Bust of Veiovis facing left, seen from behind, hurling thunderbolt; monogram behind.

Reverse: The two Lares Praestates seated right, each holding sceptre, dog between them; bust of Vulcan and tongs above, LA monograms in left field PRE to right, L CAESI in ex.

RRC: 298/1. Sear: 175. CRR: 564. RSC: Caesia 1. [Rome, 112-111 BC].

Diameter: 20 mm. Weight: 4.1 g.

A scarce Republican denarius with an interesting depiction of the Lares Praestates, their title meaning “guardians” (from praestare, “to stand before”). The two Lares are represented seated, clad in dog skins, with a dog between them which they appear to be stroking - in what is perhaps the first instance of a guard dog in the history of art. This representation of the Lares is unique: in later wall-paintings and bronze statuettes, they are usually characterised as dancing boys, holding cornucopiae or drinking vessels. This fascinating coin is sharply struck and well centred, with attractive cabinet toning.