Silver serrate denarius issued by Lucius Procilius in 80 BC, struck at the mint of Rome, belonging to characteristic issues of the late Roman Republic. Serrated coins (serrati), with their notched edges, represent an interesting technological variant.
The obverse features the head of Juno facing right, with the letters S•C behind. Juno, one of the principal deities of the Roman pantheon, symbolized protection of the state and its continuity.
The reverse depicts Juno standing right in a biga, holding a spear and shield, with a serpent below and the legend L•PROCILI•F in the exergue. The dynamic representation of the goddess with military attributes emphasizes her protective and defensive role over Rome.
The serpent below may carry symbolic meaning, possibly relating to renewal, protection, or religious associations.
The legend identifies the moneyer, Lucius Procilius, following the typical practice of Republican coinage, where magistrates prominently displayed their names.
Roman Republic
L. Procilius (80 BC), Denarius serratus, Rome mint
Obverse: Juno head right, behind the letters S•C
Reverse: Juno in biga right, holding spear and shields, at bottom snake, L•PROCILI•F in exerque
Diameter 19 mm, weight 4.0 g
