A. Manlius Q.f. Sergianus, 118-107 BC. Denarius (Silver, 21 mm, 3.88 g, 10 h). ROMA SER Head of Roma to right, wearing helmet with plumes and pendant earring. Rev. [A•(MANL)I•Q•F Sol standing in a facing quadriga over waves, head to right; to upper left, X above star; to upper right, crescent above star. Babelon (Manlia) 1. Crawford 309/1. RBW 1152. Sydenham 543. Rare. An unusually well preserved and beautifully toned example of this lovely issue. Old scratch under the tone on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse depicts Sol in his quadriga that rides through the heavens, daily providing warmth and light, and represents the East, where the moneyer's ancestor, one Cn. Manlius Vulso, defeated the Galatians in what was little more than a brutal plundering expedition in 189-188 BC.