Description

Lucius Scribonius Libo

Lucius Scribonius Libo was a prominent figure in ancient Rome who held the position of Triumvir Monetalis in 62 B.C. This position was responsible for overseeing the production of Roman coins.

Libo came from a well-respected family. He was a member of the plebeian gens Scribonia, and his father had served as a praetor.

During his tenure as Triumvir Monetalis, Libo was responsible for designing and producing coins used throughout the Roman Empire. This included ensuring the metal quality and the coins’ accuracy and aesthetic appeal.

Unfortunately, not much else is known about Libo’s life or career. He disappears from historical records after his time as Triumvir Monetalis, and his ultimate fate remains a mystery. Despite this, Libo’s legacy lives on through the coins he helped produce, which provide a glimpse into the art and culture of ancient Rome.

Minted during the Roman Republic around 62 B.C., this Denarius is particularly notable for its images on the obverse and reverse sides, holding significant cultural and historical meanings.

On the obverse, the coin displays an image of Bonus Eventus, a Roman deity associated with good fortune, success, and positive outcomes. L. Scribonius Libo may have put this deity on the coin to celebrate the repression of Catilina’s Conspiracy in 63 B.C., the continued prosperity of the Roman Republic, and the hope for continued success under its governance.

The reverse side of the coin features the Puteal Scribonianum, a sacred structure located in the Roman Forum. The Puteal Scribonianum was a circular, well-like enclosure with a carved marble parapet constructed around a spot struck by lightning. It was named after the Scribonii family responsible for its restoration and beautification. People considered the Puteal sacred because they believed it provided a protective barrier between the mortal world and the divine. The Puteal also publicly symbolized the Scribonii family’s contributions to Roman society.

Coin Details:

Obverse: Head of Bonus Eventus r.; behind, LIBO; before, BON. EVENT

Reverse: Puteal Scribonianum, decorated with garland and two lyres; at the base, anvil; above, PVTEAL; Below, SCRIBON

Diameter: 18 mm

Moneyer: L. Scribonius Libo

Babelon Scribonia 8; Crawford 416/1b; Sydenham 928

Silver-plated lead-free metal, handcrafted in the USA

Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of the coin printed on the flip insert.