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Roman Republic, Q. Minucius Thermus Denarius - Warriors in Combat (Crawf. 319/1)
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AR Denarius
Rome, 103 BC
3.89g
Obv: Helmeted head of a youthful Mars (L).
Rev: Two warriors in combat, a Roman soldier on left protecting a fallen comrade.
Q•THERM•MF (ligate) in exergue.
Crawford 319/1; Minucia 19; BMCRR Italy 653-6
From the Andrew McCabe Collection
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 71, 28/05/2020, Lot 803
ex. NAC Auction 106, 09/05/2018, Lot 393
This coin records the brave deeds of the moneyer's ancestor and namesake, Quintus Minucius Thermus who was elected consul in 193 and waged war against the Ligurians, defeating their forces near Pisa. He remained as proconsul in Liguria for 191–190. During this time it appears that he may have won the distinction of the corona civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman could aspire, by saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle through slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy army that day - this act being depicted on the reverse.
He may also have been the same Thermus who served as military tribune under Scipio in North Africa in 202 BC. Appian relates that about this time there was a cavalry engagement between the forces of Hannibal and those of Scipio near Zama, in which the latter had the advantage. Scipio, learning that Hannibal was short of supplies and was expecting a convoy, sent the military tribune, [Quintus Minucius] Thermus, by night to attack the supply train. Thermus took a position on the crest of a hill at a narrow pass, where he killed 4,000 Africans, took as many more prisoners, and brought the supplies to Scipio.
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![Roman Republic, Q. Minucius Thermus Denarius - Warriors in Combat (Crawf. 319/1)
AR Denarius
Rome, 103 BC
3.89g
Obv: Helmeted head of a youthful Mars (L).
Rev: Two warriors in combat, a Roman soldier on left protecting a fallen comrade.
Q•THERM•MF (ligate) in exergue.
Crawford 319/1; Minucia 19; BMCRR Italy 653-6
From the Andrew McCabe Collection
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 71, 28/05/2020, Lot 803
ex. NAC Auction 106, 09/05/2018, Lot 393
This coin records the brave deeds of the moneyer's ancestor and namesake, Quintus Minucius Thermus who was elected consul in 193 and waged war against the Ligurians, defeating their forces near Pisa. He remained as proconsul in Liguria for 191–190. During this time it appears that he may have won the distinction of the corona civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman could aspire, by saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle through slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy army that day - this act being depicted on the reverse.
He may also have been the same Thermus who served as military tribune under Scipio in North Africa in 202 BC. Appian relates that about this time there was a cavalry engagement between the forces of Hannibal and those of Scipio near Zama, in which the latter had the advantage. Scipio, learning that Hannibal was short of supplies and was expecting a convoy, sent the military tribune, [Quintus Minucius] Thermus, by night to attack the supply train. Thermus took a position on the crest of a hill at a narrow pass, where he killed 4,000 Africans, took as many more prisoners, and brought the supplies to Scipio.](albums/userpics/24116/normal_208.jpg "Click to view full size image
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Roman Republic, Q. Minucius Thermus Denarius - Warriors in Combat (Crawf. 319/1)
AR Denarius
Rome, 103 BC
3.89g
Obv: Helmeted head of a youthful Mars (L).
Rev: Two warriors in combat, a Roman soldier on left protecting a fallen comrade.
Q•THERM•MF (ligate) in exergue.
Crawford 319/1; Minucia 19; BMCRR Italy 653-6
From the Andrew McCabe Collection
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 71, 28/05/2020, Lot 803
ex. NAC Auction 106, 09/05/2018, Lot 393
This coin records the brave deeds of the moneyer's ancestor and namesake, Quintus Minucius Thermus who was elected consul in 193 and waged war against the Ligurians, defeating their forces near Pisa. He remained as proconsul in Liguria for 191–190. During this time it appears that he may have won the distinction of the corona civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman could aspire, by saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle through slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy army that day - this act being depicted on the reverse.
He may also have been the same Thermus who served as military tribune under Scipio in North Africa in 202 BC. Appian relates that about this time there was a cavalry engagement between the forces of Hannibal and those of Scipio near Zama, in which the latter had the advantage. Scipio, learning that Hannibal was short of supplies and was expecting a convoy, sent the military tribune, [Quintus Minucius] Thermus, by night to attack the supply train. Thermus took a position on the crest of a hill at a narrow pass, where he killed 4,000 Africans, took as many more prisoners, and brought the supplies to Scipio.")
