DR-227 | Crawford: 281/1
Marcus Furius Philus
Marcus Furius Philus

Gens: Furia
Moneyer: Marcus Furius Philus
Date and mint: 119 BC - Rome


Obverse: Laureate bust of Janus. Dotted border.
Legend: M FOVRI L F

Reverse: Roma (wearing Corinthian helmet) standing left, holding scepter in left hand and singing trophy in right hand; above, star; The trophy is crowned by a helmet in the shape of a boar's head and flanked by a crest and a shield on each side. Dotted border.
Legend: ROMA PHILI

Comment: The Furia gens is one of the oldest patrician families in Rome with origins dating back to the time of the Roman monarchy. It stood out for having important political figures, such as Espurio Furio Medulinus, who was consul in the 5th century BC. and played a key role in defending Roma against its enemies. Another relevant member was Lucius Furio Purpurión, consul in 196 BC, known for leading successful military campaigns against the Celts in northern Italy. Likewise, Publio Furio Filo, pontiff, contributed to the religious sphere of the city, which shows the influence of the gens in different areas of public life.

There are no detailed records of Marco Furio Philus about his political career beyond his function as a moneyer man.

The year 119 B.C. It was a period of tensions and reforms in Rome. There was a climate of growing social inequality and the Senate began to face challenges from leaders such as those of Gaius Marius, whose military and political influence was beginning to rise.

Janus is a unique Roman deity, known to be the god of beginnings, transitions, and doors. He is typically depicted with two opposing faces: one looking to the past and the other to the future, symbolizing his ability to see both what has happened and what is to come. Janus also represented the duality of life and change, and was invoked at the beginning of each year, in religious ceremonies, and during the beginning of new projects.

The figure of Roma, standing with a Corinthian helmet, holding a scepter and a trophy, exalts the military supremacy of the city and its power in the defense of its domains. This reverse must be related to some military victory of a member of the family in Gaul.

Provenance: Numismatica Ars Classica (2018)
Price: 3,570 €