Denarius Serratus / Silver Coin Issuer: C. Marius C. f. Capito Year: 81 BC, Rome Mint Weight: 3.92 g Size: 20.4 mm Die Axis: Unknown Obverse Inscription (No inscription, or abbreviated) Obverse Image Bust of Ceres (goddess of agriculture), right, draped. → Symbolizes abundance and the blessings of the earth, emphasizing the food supply for Roman citizens. Reverse Inscription C·MARI·C·F / S·C "Gaius Marius Capito, son of Gaius, by decree of the Senate" CAPIT / CXVIIII Control number CXVIIII (119) Reverse Image A farmer plowing left with two oxen. → Suggests the construction of new colonies and land reform, symbolizing the agrarian values of the Republic. Historical Background The issuer, C. Marius Capito, was a member of the family of the famous general Gaius Marius (Marius the Elder). Marius was called the "Father of the Roman Army." He reformed the army, which had previously relied on conscription, by accepting landless citizens as volunteer soldiers, establishing a Roman legionary system that was close to a standing army. This reform became the foundation of the Roman Empire's military system for centuries to come, and at the same time strengthened the personal ties between generals and soldiers, contributing to the collapse of the Republic. The images of Ceres and the farmer plowing on the coin are allegories that emphasize Marius's "food and land for the citizens" and "the unity of soldiers and farmers," and have a propagandistic character, showing that his family was the "protector of the people and the legions." This denarius was issued during the rise of Sulla and is considered one of the last political claims of the Marian faction. Reference Numbers Crawford 378/1c Sydenham 744 RSC Maria 9 Classification Roman Republic, Serrate Denarius, C. Marius Capito (Crawford 378/1c) ※Coin only. The collection box in the photo is not included. #ROMA#Denarius#AncientCoin#RomanEmpire#RomanRepublic#SilverCoin#Silica#AsCoin#Antoninianus#Follis#Sestertius#Greece#Drachma#Tetradrachm#AncientGreece#RomanEmperor