Dioscuri, Rome Mint 96 BC

This coin was minted in Rome in 96 BC. The coin has the head of Apollo on the obverse and the Dioscuri on the reverse. The Dioscuri were Castor and Pollux. They fought along side the Romans against the last King of Rome and the Latin League to form the Roman Republic. This battle was at Lake Regillus however there is confusion over the date. This coin shows the legend of the Dioscuri drinking from the fountain of Juturna after the battle. The Temples of Castor and Pollux in Rome were dedicated after the Battle of Lake Regillus. The solar eclipse of 492 BC and the pellet and crescent on the reverse of this coin demonstrate the battle most likely happened around this date. The Dioscuri were patrons of the Roman equestrian order. The governors of Antioch and the Roman procurators of Judea were from this rank in society. We see the solar eclipse in Roman society to be associated with wars, oppression and dictatorship. Photo Failla Numismatics