342/5b. Vibia (90 BC)

Denarius (Rome, 90 BC)

O/ PANSA, Laureate head of Apollo r.; XI below chin.

R/ C VIBIVS C F in exergue; Minerva in fast quadriga r., holding spear and trophy.

Crawford 342/5b (988 obverse dies/1097 reverse dies)

3.86g

Münzen & Medaillen 44, lot 269.

Gaius Vibius C. f. Pansa:

Pansa came from the plebeian gens Vibia. As mentioned on this coin, he was the son of another Gaius Vibius Pansa, whose life is completely unknown. The Vibii were indeed a rising family at the beginning of the 1st century BC and Pansa was its first recorded member. He had an impressive activity during his office of moneyer, by producing 6 different types of denarius and three types of bronze, possibly to make his family known to the public. This particular type celebrates Rome's victories during the Social War.

Being a supporter of the Populares, Pansa had his career cut short by the proscriptions of Sulla and never recovered. However, his son Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus became Consul in 43 BC thanks to his friendship with Caesar.

Sammlung : Roman Republic