Mn. Fonteius C.f, 85 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.94 g, 12 h), Rome. EX•A•P• Laureate head of Apollo (Vejovis) to right. Rev. Cupid riding goat to right; to left and right, pilei; below, thyrsus; all within wreath. Babelon (Fonteia) 12. Crawford 353/2. RBW 1353. Sydenham 726. Nicely toned. Very fine.



Although described in most catalogs as Apollo, the god depicted on the obverse of this coin is most likely the infernal Latin god, Vejovis, later identified alternatively with Jupiter and Apollo. The charming reverse of this coin alludes to the statue of a winged infant genius that stood near the cult statue of Vejovis in his temple, built between the two peaks of the Capitoline Hill in Rome. The caps of the Dioscuri before and behind the genius are a reference to Tusculum, the hometown of the gens Fonteia.