Roman Republic. Gaius Marcius Censorinus AR Denarius (3.80g, 18mm). Rome mint, 88 BC.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right.
Reverse: CX (above), C•CENSORI (below). Horse galloping right. Serpent entwined staff in exergue.
References: Crawford 346/2b; RSC Marcia 19.
Pedigree: JJF Collection. Uncertain, purchased by CSJ ca. 2010 (+/- a few years).
Numis. Notes:These were struck with a variety of controls; this one, with the serpent-entwined-staff is a bit rare, and desirable because it’s rather bold & dramatic for a control symbol.
Hist. Notes: Once Sulla was done with his First Civil War (by about 87 BC), and his Mithradatic War, he marched his way back to Rome so he could team up with future Triumvirs Pompey and Crassus to wage another (Sulla’s Second Civil War). His opponents were the Marius-Cinna faction, led by Gaius Marius (dead in the first), his son (killed in 82), and Cinna (killed 84).
Gaius Marcius Censorinus was among the “last men standing,” captured after being defeated at the decisive Battle of the Colline Gate (Kalends of Nov, 82). Sulla ordered him executed and had his severed head sent to the remaining Marian army, which promptly deserted their leader Marius the Younger, who then promptly committed suicide.