L. POMPONIUS MOLO. Denarius (97 BC). Rome.

Obv: L POMPON MOLO.
Laureate head of Apollo right.
Rev: NVMA POMPIL.
Numa Pompilius standing right, holding lituus before lighted altar about to sacrifice a goat being held by victimarius to right.

Crawford 334/1; RBW 1194.

The Gens Pomponia traced its origins back to Numa Pompilius, who succeeded Romulus as the second king of Rome, from 715 to 673 BC. He married Tatia, the only daughter of King Titus Tatius, and was a disciple of the Samian philosopher Pythagoras. His reign was peaceful, and tradition attributes to him all the religious institutions of Rome, the creation of the three major flamines, those of Jupiter, Mars and Quirinus, the cult of Vesta, the designation of the first Vestals, the augurs, and the pontificate. He also established the calendar, adding two months, January and February, to the ten established by Romulus, distinguishing between auspicious and unsuccessful days, and establishing the days to be consecrated to solemn festivities. In addition, he distributed among the citizens the territory conquered from Romulus' enemies and created the ancient guilds of artisans. He died peacefully after a reign of over 40 years.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 3.69 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.