M. Sergius Silus, 116-115 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.86 g, 12 h), Rome. ROMA - EX•S•C• Head of Roma to right, wearing winged helmet and pearl necklace; behind, star (mark of value). Rev. Q / M•SERGI / SILVS Helmeted horseman to left, holding a shield on his right arm and a sword and severed head in his left hand. Babelon (Sergia) 1. Crawford 286/1. RBW 1115. Sydenham 54. Beautifully toned and with a heroic reverse type. Good very fine.


The soldier on horseback carrying an enemy's head on the reverse of this issue refers to the heroic deeds of the moneyer's homonymous ancestor who, during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), reportedly continued fighting the Carthaginians despite the loss of an arm and a further twenty-three other wounds. Because the hero here is shown with a shield on one arm and a sword and a head in the other hand, we must assume the image depicts him before the loss of his arm!