Description

Roman Republic. Anonymous, Æ Aes Grave As. Circa 215–212 BC. Rome mint. (47mm, 85.36 g).

Obverse: Head of bearded Janus on a raised disk.
Reverse: Prow of galley left; mark of value above.

Crawford 41/5a; ICC 105; Sydenham 101.

Dark brown/green patina, casting flaws. VF.

Provenance: Ex Naumann 130, lot 433.

History & Context: Bronze from Rome’s darkest war

This heavy cast bronze As dates to the darkest years of the Second Punic War, struck not long after Hannibal’s catastrophic victory at Cannae in 216 BC nearly brought Rome to its knees. Cast the old-fashioned way and weighing a hefty pound of bronze, it was part of the emergency currency Rome relied on before the war forced a drastic debasement.