DR-423 | Crawford: 364/1d
Quintus Antonius Balbus
Quintus Antonius Balbus

Gens: Antonia
Moneyer: Quintus Antonius Balbus
Date and mint: 83 BC/82 BC - Rome


Obverse: Laureate bust of Jupiter, right. Dotted border.
Legend: S.C.
Symbols: Reverse below, control mark

Reverse: Victoria in chariot, right, holding reins and palm branch on left and crown on right. Dotted border.
Legend: Q ANTO BALB / PR

Comment: The Antonia gens was a Roman family of great historical importance, claiming descent from the mythical son of Hercules, Anton. Although it was originally a patrician family, during the Republican period some of its members became commoners. The gens had several prominent members, including Mark Antony, a famous general and politician of the later period, although Quintus Antonius Balbo was one of the moneyer men who stood out in the early stages of republican history.

Quinto Antonio Balbo was the moneyer man responsible for the minting of this denarius in one of the most chaotic moments of the Republic. In 83-82 BC, Roma was immersed in civil war between the supporters of Marius and Sulla. Balbus, as part of a well-connected family, issued this denarius just as Sulla was beginning to consolidate his power in Rome following his military victories.

On the obverse of the coin appears the figure of Jupiter, the supreme god of the Roman pantheon, who represents power, justice and sovereignty over heaven and earth. As the god of gods, his presence on the denarius reflects the need for order and control in a time of upheaval.

The reverse shows a Victoria on a chariot, a symbol of military triumph and glory. The depiction of Victoria is common on coins from this period and reinforces the message of military success, something particularly relevant during civil wars. This image could also reflect Balbus's hope in Sulla's victory or in the restoration of order in Rome.

The design of this denarius not only celebrates deity and military power, but also expresses concern for stability in a Roma shaken by internal conflict. The choice of Jupiter and Victoria on the coin reflects the aspiration to restore balance and greatness to Rome, something that resonated deeply with Romans at the time.

Provenance: Bertolami Fine Arts (2018)
Price: 1,371 €