Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right, X below chin, ROMA (MA in monogram) behind, all within Celtic torc border. 

Reverse: Horseman galloping left, holding spear and shield, L TORQVA below, Q above, EX S C in ex.

RRC: 295/1. Sear: 172. CRR: 545. RSC: Manlia 2. [Rome, 113/2 BC].

A scarce Republican denarius struck by L. Manlius Torquatus circa 113/112 BC. The unusual border on the obverse derives from the legend of an ancestor's defeat of a Gallic warrior in single combat, leading to his acquisition of both his opponents torc and the cognomen Torquatus. Torcs were worn by Celtic warriors around their necks as symbols of wealth and status. The coin is in excellent condition for the issue, well centred with dark toning.