Cr 494/36 C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius

42 b.c.e. Rome

o: Head of young Bacchus, wearing wreath of ivy and grapes, hair collected into a knot behind, one lock and fillet of wreath falling down his neck
r: Panther springing left toward garlanded altar surmounted by bacchic mask and thyrsus; C • VIBIVS in exergue, VARVS upward to right.

HCRI 192; Vibia 24
18mm, 4.02 gm, 6h

One of the more active and creative reverses among many in the late Republic, the panther and thyrsus are additional attributes of Bacchus. The specific ritual, if that is what is depicted, is not identified.

Among the group of moneyers who had the distinction of issuing a large variety of both gold and silver coins for the Second Triumvirate (see my Livineius, 494/29), Vibius also was permitted to issue personal family types, including this one, reflecting some themes on earlier coins of the Vibia gens. These personal types were soon to come to an end, as both Antonius and Octavian would soon take full control of the coinage in their spheres. Vibius fades into obscurity.

The particular attraction of this specimen, which is nice in many ways, is the very pleasing "cabinet" toning.