L. Livineius Regulus AR Roman Imperatorial Denarius 42 BC Rare Silver Coin Gladiatorial Venatio Museum Reproduction CSRD0113

This popular type depicts a venatio, a contest between bestiarii and various animals. Such activities served as the morning entertainment during a day at the games, with the “main event” – the gladiatorial contests – taking place in the afternoon.

The rationale behind the interesting reverse type of L. Livineius Regulus has been widely discussed. It has been suggested that the scene exemplifies the passion the Livineia gens had for the gladiatorial games. The wounded beast has been thought to actually be a bull to symbolize the victory at Thapsus (modern Tunisia). The obverse portrait is likely to be the moneyer’s father who was a friend of both Caesar and Cicero. He also fought at Thapsus which ties in nicely with the reverse imagery.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Praetor, L. Livineius Regulus (or his father), bare-headed, right
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse side
Venatio Scene: Combat with wild beasts, one combatant attacks a lion, another defends himself against a tiger, a wounded bear(?) top left
Legend:
L REGVLVS in ex.

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.