T. Didius, 113-112 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.88 g, 3 h), Rome. Head of Roma to right, wearing crested and winged helmet; behind, monogram of ROMA; below, star (mark of value). Rev. T•DEIDI Two soldiers fighting, each holding shield, the one on the left attacks with a flail, the other with a sword. Babelon (Didia) 2. Crawford 294/1. RBW 1134. Sydenham 550. Perfectly centered and with an attractive old cabinet tone. Very fine.


The reverse, sometimes described as two gladiators in mortal combat, probably in truth represents two soldiers fighting, and refers to the moneyer's homonymous ancestor who was sent to Sicily in 138 BC to quell the slave revolt. If it is in fact two gladiators, then the reference is to the moneyer's plans to hold gladiatorial games should he be elected curule aedile. It is not known whether he was ever elected; the moneyer did, however, win election to Rome's chief magistracy, the consulship, later in his career.