Lot 247: L. Roscius Fabatus. 59 B.C. AR denarius. Rome. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 28 (Auction 338)
- Sold Winning Bid: $90
- 5 Bid(s)
L. Roscius Fabatus. 59 B.C. AR denarius (19 mm, 3.87 g, 7 h). Rome. L ROSC[I] below, head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat's skin headdress; behind, Phrygian helmet / FABATI in exergue, female standing right, feeding from her dress serpent coiled left; behind, harpa. Crawford 412/1; Sydenham 915; Roscia 3. Nice very fine.
The types of Juno Sospita and the female feeding the serpent refer to the moneyer's Lanuvine origin. Cicero (de Nat. Deor. 1.29) describes the peculiar garb and attributes of Juno Sospita, while both Propertius (8.4.3) and Aelian (NA 11.16) discuss the role of the serpent in the oracle located in the sacred grove attached to Juno Sospita's temple at Lanuvim. In the religious rites, a virgin fed the reptile fruits and cakes, which caused the oracle to speak. Failure of the oracle to pronounce was, of course, proof of a tainted chastity.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 247
- Listing #: 174255
- Closed: Friday, June 21, 2019 5:22:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $100