Obverse: Helmeted head of Mars or Roma facing right, control numeral behind.

Reverse: She-wolf prowling left, ROMA above, P. SATRIE/NVS in ex.

RRC: 388/1. Sear: 319. CRR: 781. RSC: Satriena 1. [Rome, 77 BC].

Diameter: 18 mm. Weight: 4.0 g.

A stunning example of this iconic type, struck by the moneyer Publius Satrienus in 77 BC. The obverse depicting a martial deity, described as either Mars or Roma. However, it is the reverse, with its wonderfully stylised representation of a female wolf, that dominates the viewers attention. Could this be the famous statue of the Capitoline She-Wolf, as suggested by Grueber? It is true Satrienus’ depiction shares much in common stylistically, both sporting manes - a rather un-wolflike characteristic. To Crawford, however:

“[this] type of ferocious wolf has no original connection with the wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus, but was perhaps adopted as a symbol of Rome after the defeat of those rebel Italians who likened Rome to a predatory wolf.”

A high grade example, perfectly centred, with attractive cabinet toning.