L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus and L. Scribonius Libo, 62 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.64 g, 5 h), Rome. PAVLLVS LEPIDVS CONCORD Diademed and veiled head of Concordia to right. Rev. PVTEAL•SCRIBON / LIBO Garlanded Puteal Scribonianum (Scribonian wellhead), decorated with two lyres; hammer at base. Babelon (Aemilia) 11. Crawford 417a. RBW 1503. Sydenham 927. Nearly 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.