Roman Republic - M. Cato. AR Denarius. Rome, 89 B.C.
M. Cato. AR Denarius. Rome, 89 B.C.Weight 3.74 gr, mm diameterObv: Diademed and draped femal head right, ROMA behind, M CATO below. Rev: Victory seated right, holding patera and palm, ST below chair, VICTRIX in exergue.Crawford c; Sydenham 596aCrawford states that the reverse type depicts "Victoria Virgo" whose "Shrine" was built by Cato Censorius (Livy XXXV, 9.6), anche ancestor of moneyer. He goes on to hypothesise that ST below the throne may be an abbreviation of the epiteth "STABILIS" which Livy applies to Victory (Livy, XXII, 37)Wonderful iridescent toning, very good metal. VFSee images for a proper impression. Read More