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Roman Republic, C. Coelius Caldus, 104 B.C.
In 104 B.C., the Republic was in a state of emergency. The Cimbri had just dealt Rome its most severe defeat since Cannae; two armies were destroyed. Italy was nearly defenseless. The consul Gaius Marius asked King Nicomedes III of Bithynia to provide troops. Nicomedes III turned down the request declaring, "All those eligible for military service in my kingdom have been robbed by the Roman tax-farmers and sold into slavery." In response, about 800 Italian slaves in Sicily were freed. Non-Italians slaves incorrectly believed they had also been freed. When ordered back to servitude, these slaves amassed an army 2,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry. The revolt, the Second Servile War, lasted until 100 B.C., caused famine in Rome, and was defeated only after great effort. It was the second of a series of three slave revolts in the Roman Republic.RR75244. Silver denarius, BMCRR I Rome 1484 var. (control: :Q.), RSC I Coelia 3, Crawford 318/1b, Sydenham 582a, SRCV I 196 var. (noted), Choice VF, fantastic style, excellent centering, nice old cabinet toning, a few scratches, Rome mint, weight 3.948g, maximum diameter 17.8mm, die axis 0o, 104 B.C.; obverse head of Roma left in winged helmet, crest with griffin head, peaked visor in three pieces, wearing triple drop earring and necklace; reverse Victory in a biga left, holding reins in both hands, CALD below horses, Q:. (control mark) in exergue; SOLD
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