From the CNG Mail Bid Sale 57, 4 April 2001
      Lot number: 942. Price realized: 2,800 USD plus buyers fees.


      Estimate $3000 

      The Social War. Coinage of the Marsic Confederation. C. Papius Mutilus. 90 
      BC. AR Denarius (3.74 gm). Helmeted head of Roma right, wreath behind / 
      The Dioscuri on horseback riding away from one another. Campana 4 (D3/R4); 
      Sydenham 635. Heavily toned, near EF/EF. Rare. ($3000) The revolt against 
      Rome of her Italian allies (socii, hence ‘Social War’) broke out toward 
      the close of the year 91 BC and was the culmination of longstanding 
      grievances occasioned by the Senate's inept handling of foreign relations. 
      The Marsi were especially prominent in this movement, hence the name 
      ‘Marsic Confederation’ which is often applied to the rebel state. The 
      coinage of the Marsic Confederation is of great interest, consisting of 
      silver denarii, some of which bear the names of the rebel generals. This 
      exceptional specimen records a certain Gaius Paapius [Mutilus], consul of 
      the rebel state and commander of the Samnite forces. Mutilus' army 
      suffered heavy casualties while fighting Sulla in the later stages of the 
      war.

       
By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.