ROMAN REPUBLIC
M. Herennius, moneyer
AR Denarius. 3.83g, 19mm
MINTED: Rome mint, 108-107 BC
REF: Crawford 308/1b; Sydenham 567a
OBVERSE: Head of Pietas right wearing stephane, PIETAS behind.
REVERSE: Amphinomus carrying his father right, M HERENNI behind, B above pellet before, M HERENNI behind.

Grade/Notes:
Good Very Fine/Very Fine. Lightly toned. 
 
Provenance:
Ex Harlan J. Berk; ex Pegasi 30, May 2014, lot 393 (realized US$195)
 
Historical Notes: 
The reverse scene demonstrates an act of Pietas (piety), a virtue that clearly had meaning for the moneyer, M. Herennius, who would become consul of the Roman Republic in 93 BC.  Depicted is Amphinomos, one of the Catanaean brothers of Sicily, carrying on his shoulder his father.  According to a popular myth, Mount Etna once suffered a violent eruption, and Amphinomos and his brother Anapios carried their aged parents on their shoulders even though they knew their weight would slow their escape.  Miraculously, the flowing lava from the volcano parted around them and the whole family was saved. ​​​​​​​