The Social War. Coinage of the Marsic Confederation, 90-88 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.87 g, 7 h), Corfinium, circa 90. Head of Italia to right, wearing winged helmet, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace; below chin, X (mark of value). Rev. 'viteliú' (retrograde in Oscan) The Dioscuri, each holding spear in his right hand, on horseback galloping right; above their heads, two stars. Campana 1.f (this coin, D1/R1). HN Italy 422. Sydenham 625. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. A beautiful example of this highly important issue with an illustrious pedigree. Struck from a slightly worn reverse die and with minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, about extremely fine.

Since the early days of the Republic, Rome had steadily expanded its dominion by conquering neighboring territories. The inhabitants of these subdued regions were compelled to adopt Roman institutions, submit to Roman authority, and serve as auxiliaries alongside Rome's legions. Over time, this prolonged contact led to their gradual Romanization. By the late second century BC, many Italics fervently sought Roman citizenship, aspiring to partake in the decision-making processes, power structures and legal rights enjoyed by Rome’s citizens. However, the Romans, wary of diluting their control and supremacy, staunchly resisted any notion of power-sharing. This tension culminated in the Social War, so named after the Latin word Socius, meaning 'ally'. The Social War lasted primarily from 91/90 to 88 BC, though conflicts in the south, particularly against the Oscans, persisted for a longer period. The rebellious Italics established their capital at Corfinium in the Apennines, where this particular coin was struck around 90 BC. This coin is especially remarkable as it closely emulates a Roman Republican denarius, with one notable distinction: the retrograde Oscan inscription 'viteliú' in the exergue on the reverse. Such direct imitation of enemy coinage is uncommon, as Italic coinage typically features distinct designs rather than direct copies of Roman issues. The obverse portrays the personification of Italia, whose image is an exact replica of the goddess Roma seen on Republican coinage. She even wears the characteristic winged griffin helmet and bears the denomination mark 'X' beneath her chin. The reverse depicts the Dioscuri - Castor and Pollux - charging to the right on horseback, their lances couched for battle, a motif frequently found on Roman coins, particularly from the mid-second century BC (150s–120s BC). This historically significant piece, a remarkable testament to the turbulent era of internal conflict within Italy, is extremely rare and ranks among the finest known examples. Its prestige is further enhanced by its distinguished provenance, having been part of the esteemed collections of W. Niggeler (1878-1964) and Justizrat Dr. iur. et phil. H. C. Ernst Justus Haeberlin (1847-1925)