Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC 

Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC - Image 1
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC - Image 2
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC - Image 1Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC - Image 2
Enlarge image
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BCRoman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC

Catalogue information

LastDodo number
3738025
Area
Coins
Title
Roman Republic, AR denarius, L. Valerius Acisculus, Rome, 45 BC
Country
Roman Empire
Face value
denarius
Year
-45
Variety / overstrike
Era
Roman Republic (509-27 BC)
Head of State
Unknown
Type
Coin
Designer
Unknown
Series
Theme
Fauna (Animals)
Material
Silver (Ag)
Gold- or silver content
Weight
3.69
Diameter
20
Thickness
Punch
Shape
Round
Obverse
Head of Apollo Soranus right, ACISCVLVS and pick-axe (acisculus) behind, star above
Reverse
Valeria Luperca on the heifer right, holding veil, L . VALERIVS in exergue
Edge
Privy mark
None
Mint mark
None
Number produced
Krause and Mishler number
Catalogue number
B.M.C.# 3996, Crawford# 474/1a, Sydenham# 998
Details
This type refers to the legendary origin of the family. Plutarch relates that when the plague visited Falerii, in Etruria, the oracle announced that the scourge would only cease by the annual sacrifice of a virgin to Juno. This superstition long maintained till the lot fell on a young virgin named Valeria Luperca; when she drew forth the sword to slay herself an eagle descended and carried off his weapon and deposited on the altar a hammer, it then threw the sword on a heifer grazing nearby. When the virgin saw this she sacrificed the heifer and taking the hammer she went from house to house restoring the sick by touching them gently with the hammer, and telling them to be healed.