Obverse: M FOVRI L F, Laureate head of Janus.

Reverse: Roma standing left, crowning trophy with carnyx and shield on each side, star above Roma, ROMA to right, PHILI (PHI in monogram) in ex.

RRC: 281/1. Sear: 156. CRR: 529. RSC: Furia 18. [Rome, 119 BC].

Diameter: 20 mm. Weight: 3.9 g.

A beautiful silver denarius of the Roman Republic, struck by the moneyer M. Furius L.f. Philus in 119 BC. The obverse depicting Janus, god of beginnings and endings, doorways and time: his two faces look simultaneously into both the future and the past. The reverse commemorates the defeat two years previously of Gallic tribes the Allobroges and the Averni in Trans-alpine Gaul by Quintus Fabius Maximus, which finally secured the region for Rome. For this victory, Quintus was awarded the title "Allobrogicus", along with a triumph. The triumph was famous for its spectacle, with Bituitus, king of the Averni being paraded through the streets in his silver battle armour. An interesting coin in excellent condition, well centred with subtle cabinet toning.