Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Cornelius Lentulus

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Cornelius Lentulus in 88 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Mars, the god of war, wearing a Corinthian helmet. The designs on these coins refer to contemporary events - Rome's hope of victory in the Social War (91-88 BC), where Rome's Italian allies rebelled in order to obtain citizenship.

During the Social War, Rome produced a huge amount of coinage to fund the wages of soldiers, and even reduced silver content. In the end Rome granted citizenship, but since citizens were not required to pay tribute, this led to a shortage of silver.

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