MAT Series. AE As, Capua (?), 203 BC. D/ Laureate head of Janus; above, I. R/ Prow right; above, MAT ligate; before, I; below, ROMA. Cr. 162/3. 26.14 g. 35 mm. Attractive dark green patina. Good VF.
It might be tempting to attribute this coin to the MA series recorded by Roman Republican Coinage (no. 172/2), known from a single specimen. However, a closer examination of the monogram suggests that it should instead be read as MAT, with the upper crossbar of the T only faintly struck or not fully preserved. This interpretation is further supported by the distinctly “Capuan” style of the portrait, which is consistent with issues attributed to that series.
Watch: