Denarius / Silver Coin Cn. Blasio Cn. f. — Commemorating Scipio Africanus Year of Issue: 112–111 BC, Rome Mint Weight: 3.88 g Size: 19 mm Die Axis: 7h Obverse Inscription CN BLASIO•CN F "Gnaeus Blasio, son of Gnaeus" Obverse Image Helmeted head, right. Star behind. → Generally considered to be the god Mars, but traditionally interpreted as a deified portrait of Scipio Africanus. The star indicates a special destiny or divine protection. Reverse Inscription [ROMA] "Rome" Reverse Image Jupiter (holding thunderbolt and scepter) in the center, Juno on the left, and Minerva on the right. Minerva is presenting a wreath to Jupiter. Crescent moon on the right inner side. → Depicts the Capitoline Triad, the guardian deities of Rome, emphasizing the prosperity of the state and the protection of the gods. Historical Background Scipio Africanus is known as the hero who saved Rome by defeating Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. Even in subsequent generations, his fame held special meaning as the "savior of Rome (conservator)." If the helmeted image on this coin is a semi-deified portrait of Scipio, it can be interpreted as a commemorative coin linking the prestige of the Scipio family with the protection of the Roman state. The connection between the Blasio family, who were the moneyers at the time, and the Cornelius family also supports this theory. Reference Numbers Crawford 296/1 Sydenham 561b RSC Cornelia 19 RBW 1136 var. Classification Roman Republic, Cn. Blasio, Denarius (possibly depicting Scipio Africanus) ※Coin only. Photo collection box etc. are not included. #ROMA#Denarius#AncientCoin#RomanEmpire#RomanRepublic#SilverCoin#Silica#AsCoin#Antoninianus#Follis#Sestertius#Greece#Drachma#Tetradrachm#AncientGreece#RomanEmperor