L. Cassius Q.f. Longinus, 78 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.93 g, 10 h), Rome. Head of Liber to right, wearing wreath of ivy and fruit and with thyrsus over shoulder. Rev. [L•]CASSI•Q•F Head of Libera to left, wearing wreath of vine leafs. Babelon (Cassia) 6. Crawford 386/1. RBW 1419. Sydenham 779. Beautifully toned. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.


This charming type references the founding of the Temple of Ceres, Liber and Libera, by Sp. Cassius during his second consulship in 493 BC. Although the association of Liber (later identified as Bacchus, the Greek Dionysos) with Ceres may seem surprising, the gods Liber and Libera were believed to children of Ceres and, like their mother, agrarian gods linked to wine production rather than its consumption.