Roman Republic before Sulla's dictatorship, minted at Rome 89 BC

This coin was minted by moneyers of Sabine origin in Rome in 89BC. The star and crescent may commemorate King Tatius who attacked Rome with the treachery of Tarpeia. She is seen on the reverse being crushed with shields and later was thrown off the "Tarpian rock" in Rome. This rock is where Roman traitors were thrown to their deaths. Interesting that within the next year, Rome's first dictator Sulla marched on the city. We have evidence of a solar eclipse seen in Rome in 93 BC before Sulla's dictatorship in 88 BC and in 762 BC before the invasion by King Tatius in 752 BC. Photo London Ancient coins