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Roman Republic, Denarius

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Roman Republic, Denarius (obverse) Roman Republic, Denarius (reverse)

The obverse of this denarius shows an unusual view of Apollo. The laureate god is seen from behind darting a thunderbolt. This makes it immediately clear that the thunderbolt is aimed against an enemy across, while the watcher is safe behind Apollo's strong back.

The reverse invokes the protection of the gods as well. Two Lares are sitting there, protective spirits of certain families or places. The two depicted here are Lares Praestites, the 'Stand-By Lares,' guardians of the state of Rome. They are armed and clad in dog skins, for the Romans considered dogs as embodiments of loyalty. There is a dog at the feet of the Lares, too. Below is the name of the moneyer, L. CAESI for Lucius Caesius.

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