Cr 35/2 Anonymous "Libral Prow" series Æ cast Semis

225-217 b.c.e. Rome

o: Saturn head left, S below
r: Prow right, S above

129 gm.

The last of the nominally libral "Aes Grave" coinage, this series accompanied the introduction of the "Quadrigatus" didrachm before the silver coin began it's not-so-merry decline (see my debased 28/3 quadrigatus and my forthcoming posts of "post-semilibral" cast prows pieces to see it to the very bottom). (Don't worry, the denarius is coming to the rescue...)

Although this specimen has a few spots of metal loss, particularly on Saturn's hair, it is almost exactly at the weight standard and quite nice in hand. The "raised disk" is distinct, though not as crisp as some specimens. The lazy horizontal S is commonly seen, along with a more vertical orientation, presumably as the engraver saw fit.