Roman Republic, Denarius

The head of Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome, wearing a winged attic helmet; behind her the name C. ANTESTI for the moneyer Gaius Antestius.

The reverse shows the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux, galloping into battle in the aid of the Romans, their lances ready. Beneath the hooves of their horses runs a little dog, the mint control mark.

The denari of the moneyer C. Antestius were for the first time distinguished by an independent, genuine Roman style. The images hardened and became strong and exact; noses, mouths, eyes, hair and helmets were often overemphasized.