L. Scribonius Libo, 62 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.92 g, 7 h), Rome. BON•EVENT / LIBO Diademed head of Bonus Eventus to right. Rev. PVTEAL / SCRIBON Garlanded Puteal Scribonianum (Scribonian wellhead), decorated with two lyres; at base, hammer. Babelon (Scribonia) 8. Crawford 416/1a. RBW 1500. Sydenham 928. Nicely toned. A few nicks and with a minor die break on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


The Scribonianum wellhead was located on the Forum in Rome at a spot that had been struck by lightning, according to both Horace and Cicero. Its ostensible purpose was to protect life by preventing people from falling into the well; however, as it was located adjacent to the praetor's tribunal, it mainly became a place where litigants congregated. It was depicted on the coinage of the Scribonii Libones as it had been dedicated or restored by one of its members, perhaps either the praetor of 204 or the tribune of the plebs in 149.