C. Claudius Pulcher, 110-109 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.87 g, 8 h), Rome. Head of Roma to right, wearing winged helmet, pendant earring and pearl necklace. Rev. C•PVLCHER Victory driving fast biga to right, holding reins in both hands. Babelon (Claudia) 1. Crawford 300/1. RBW 1143. Sydenham 569. Very large die break on the obverse, otherwise, good fine.


Die cracks in Republican denarii aren’t uncommon, but it’s rare to see one this dramatic: the break runs from the helmet wing all the way to the goddess’s mouth. A die in this condition would normally have been taken out of service; its continued use here suggests either lax quality control or a particularly rushed production of the issue.