This bronze coin was minted in southern Spain (Hispania) under Cnaeus Statilius Libo, a Roman prefect who governed the region around 43-36 BC during the late Roman Republic period. The coin represents provincial coinage produced under Roman authority in newly conquered territories.
Coin Description:
Front side: Bare head (portrait) of Statilius Libo facing right, with his name inscribed.
Back side: Religious ceremonial vessels: a patera (shallow dish used for offerings) and praefericulum (ritual pouring vessel).
Technical Details:
Material: Bronze
Denomination: Semis (half of an as, a common small denomination)
Size: 20mm diameter
Weight: 5.53 grams
Orientation: 10h (die axis at 10 o'clock position)
Catalog Reference: ACIP 2645; RPC I 483
Condition: Near Very Fine (VF), brown patina with some porosity
Historical Significance:
Statilius Libo is historically significant as he is known only through this coinage issue, making this numismatic evidence crucial for understanding Roman provincial administration in Spain. The coin represents the Roman practice of allowing local mints to produce regional coinage under supervision of appointed officials in newly integrated territories. This particular example is especially valuable as it shows a clear portrait and complete name inscription, along with well-preserved religious symbols that reflect the integration of Roman religious practices in provincial regions of modern-day Spain.
This bronze coin was minted in southern Spain (Hispania) under Cnaeus Statilius Libo, a Roman prefect who governed the region around 43-36 BC during the late Roman Republic period. The coin represents provincial coinage produced under Roman authority in newly conquered territories.
Coin Description:
Front side: Bare head (portrait) of Statilius Libo facing right, with his name inscribed.
Back side: Religious ceremonial vessels: a patera (shallow dish used for offerings) and praefericulum (ritual pouring vessel).
Technical Details:
Material: Bronze
Denomination: Semis (half of an as, a common small denomination)
Size: 20mm diameter
Weight: 5.53 grams
Orientation: 10h (die axis at 10 o'clock position)
Catalog Reference: ACIP 2645; RPC I 483
Condition: Near Very Fine (VF), brown patina with some porosity
Historical Significance:
Statilius Libo is historically significant as he is known only through this coinage issue, making this numismatic evidence crucial for understanding Roman provincial administration in Spain. The coin represents the Roman practice of allowing local mints to produce regional coinage under supervision of appointed officials in newly integrated territories. This particular example is especially valuable as it shows a clear portrait and complete name inscription, along with well-preserved religious symbols that reflect the integration of Roman religious practices in provincial regions of modern-day Spain.
