DR-426 | Crawford: 365/1b
Caius Valerius Flaccus
Caius Valerius Flaccus

Gens: Valeria
Moneyer: Caius Valerius Flaccus
Date and mint: 82 BC - Marseilles


Obverse: Bust of Victoria, right, draped. Dotted border.
Legend:
Symbols: Obverse behind, control letter

Reverse: Legionary Eagle; to the left, banner of the maniple of hastati; on the right, princeps maniple banner. Line border.
Legend: C VAL FLA IMPERAT EX S C

Comment: The Valeria gens was one of the oldest and most prominent in Rome, with deeply patrician roots. Among its illustrious members are generals, consuls and fundamental figures in the early republican times. The Flacci branch, in particular, maintained great influence even in the final stage of the Republic.

The denarius was minted in the year 82 BC, in the city of Marseille, by Gaius Valerius Flaccus, who held the title of imperator in command of troops in Cisalpine Gaul and Narbonensis. This issue was approved by the Senate, as indicated by the legend on the reverse: C VAL FLA IMPERAT EX S C.

The obverse shows the draped bust of Victoria, in profile to the right, accompanied by a control symbol.

On the reverse, the design is especially powerful: a legionary eagle in the center, flanked by two banners—that of the maniple of hastati on the left and that of the maniple of princes on the right. This military iconography highlights the strength of the legions and the legitimization of Flaccus' command.

Flaccus had had resounding successes as proconsul in Hispania, where he knew how to quell conflicts decisively and ensure the authority of Roma. This military history reinforced the credibility of the broadcast.

This type of reverse, with the eagle and banners, left a lasting mark. It was taken up by Mark Antony in his famous legionary denarii, and later reproduced by several emperors, becoming an emblematic motif of Roman military propaganda.

Provenance: Bertolami Fine Arts (2020)
Price: 2,858 €