Crawford 26/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE Half Litra

Rome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 234-231 BCE.
AE Half Litra (1.93g; 13mm; 12h).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Roma in Phrygian helmet, facing right.

Reverse: Dog prancing toward right; ROMA in exergue.

References: Crawford 26/4; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 44-48.

Provenance: Ex CB Collection; privately bought from Baldwins 7 Jan 2011; Rauch Auction 87 (8 Dec 2010) lot 189.

Another example of this charming type, and a bit heavier and larger than the previous example. The pose of the dog is unusual, as it appears to be prancing in some way, and the dog is rendered somewhat differently between dies. On many dies, its snout is clearly upturned, perhaps honing a scent. On some dies, the dog is rendered skinnier than others, with ribs visible. All things considered, I believe the coins show a Laconian or Vertragus hound, two popular breeds of Roman hunting hounds.