Description
T. Carisius (46 BC)
Silver Denarius, mint of Rome.
Obverse: Bust of Juno Moneta facing right.
Reverse: T CARISIVS, minting tools; tongs, hammer and dies.
(Crawford 464/2).
Good Very Fine.
3.93g.
The actual tools used for the production of coins appear remarkably rarely on ancient coins, and this silver denarius speaks volumes about this Roman Republican moneyer and his pride in being permitted to strike coins. The tongs for holding the hot, metal blanks, the obverse and reverse dies and finally the hammer used for striking are all depicted in meticulous detail. To show the sacred importance of coins to the Romans, the obverse die is even shown garlanded with a wreath.
