ROMAN REPUBLIC
C. Naevius Balbus, moneyer
AR Denarius. 3.68g, 18.4mm
MINTED: Rome mint, 79 BC
REF: Crawford 382/1b; Sydenham 769b
OBVERSE: Diademed head of Venus to right, wearing earring and pearl necklace; behind, S•C.
REVERSE: C•NAE•BALB, Victory driving fast triga to right, holding reins in both hands; above, LXVI.

Grade/Notes:
Very Fine. Toned and attractive.
Scarcer issue depicting a triga (three-horse chariot). See below for more information.
 
Historical Notes: 
Bigas and quadrigas were two and four-horse chariots respectively, used in Rome for a variety of purposes, including ceremonies, transportation and sporting races.  These were very commonly depicted on denarii of the Roman Republic.  In contrast, issues depicting trigas (three-horse chariots), were much scarcer.  In fact, they only appear twice during the entire Republican period - once on an issue of Appius Claudius, T. Manlius and Q. Urbinius (111/110 BC), and again on this present issue by C. Naevius Balbus (79 BC).  The third horse in the triga was apparently an older and more experienced horse, used to lead the other two horses.