C. ANNIUS T.F. & C. TARQUITIUS P.F. Denarius (82-81 BC). Mint in northern Italy or Spain.

Obv: C ANNIVS T F T N PRO COS EX S C.
Diademed head of Anna Perenna right; scales to lower right.
Rev: HISP Q / L FABI L F.
Victory, holding palm frond and reins, driving quadriga right; B below and to right.

Crawford 366/3b.

According to legend, Anna was the sister of Dido of Carthage, who fled to Rome after Dido's death. Here she was received by Aeneas, Dido's lover. Lavinia, Aeneas' wife, became jealous and decided to kill her. Anna, having learned of the danger threatening her in a dream, hid in the river Numico and transformed herself into a nymph. According to other authors, Anna was an old woman who brought food to the plebeians barricaded on Monte Sacro and was therefore deified after her death. She was probably an ancient Etruscan goddess who presided over the reproduction of humans and animals. She was celebrated on March 15 with rituals involving libations and sexual promiscuity. She bears a striking resemblance to the Indian goddess Anna Purna.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 3.90 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.