Gaius Marcius Censorinus Rare AR Denarius Depicting Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius Roman Republic 88 BC Silver Coin Desultor on Reverse Museum Reproduction CSRD0100

The obverse depicts the conjoined heads of Numa Pompilius (717-673 BC) the second king of Rome, who succeeded Romulus, alongside Ancus Marcius (642-617 BC) the fourth king of Rome. The gens Marcia claimed descent from these ancient rulers. A type of performer in the Roman Circus, the desultor rode two horses at the same time, sitting on them without a saddle, and vaulting back and forth between them, exhibiting great feats of horsemanship. This reverse type was selected by Censorinus in memory of a celebrated seer of the Marcia family, named Marcius, who suggested to the Senate establishment of the Ludi Apollinares – Equestrian games in honor of Apollo.

Gaius Marcius Censorinus was a moneyer in 88 B.C. In 87, as a military tribune or prefect, he commanded the cavalry that attacked and killed the consul Gnaeus Octavius, then brought his head to Cinna the historian Appian remarks that this was the first time a head of a consul was displayed on the Rostra, but unfortunately not the last. In 82, near the end of the civil war between Sulla and the Marian-Cinnan faction, Carbo sent Censorinus with eight legions to the aid of the besieged Praeneste, but he was ambushed by Pompeius near Sena Gallica. After Carbo fled to Africa, Censorinus was among the officers who made a last-ditch effort to break the line of Sulla that culminated in defeat at the Battle of the Colline Gate.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Jugate heads, right, with hairs bound with ribbons of Numa Pompolius bearded and Ancus Marcius
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse side
Desultor, performing, wearing conical cap and holding whip in right hand, galloping right, a second horse at his left side; small arrow below as control mark
Legend:
C CENSO in ex

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