As

Historical Context: This bronze As, issued by Turri Regina between 200 and 101 BC, represents a fascinating intersection of local autonomy and Roman monetary standardization during the middle to late Roman Republic. Turri Regina, likely a city or regional entity within the Roman sphere of influence in Italy or a Roman province, adopted the Roman As denomination and its reduced weight standard (18.0 grams) for its local economy. This issuance underscores the widespread acceptance of Roman metrology and the integration of provincial economies into the broader Roman financial system, serving as essential small change for daily transactions within its territory.

Artistry: Lacking an identified engraver, the stylistic school of this As reflects the robust, utilitarian aesthetic typical of Roman Republican bronze issues of the period. While specific iconography for this Turri Regina issue is not detailed, such As coins commonly featured a laureate head of Janus on the obverse and a ship's prow on the reverse, symbolizing Rome's naval power and commercial reach. The artistry, executed by local mints, prioritized clear, recognizable imagery suitable for mass production and widespread circulation, demonstrating a competent provincial interpretation of the prevailing Roman metropolitan coin types.

Technical/Grading: This bronze As, with a substantial weight of 18.0 grams and a diameter of 32.0 millimeters, reflects the reduced weight standard of the Roman Republic's bronze coinage during this era. Key high-points for wear assessment would typically include prominent features of any depicted deity, such as the nose or chin, and the details of a ship's prow, particularly the ram and deck structure. Strike quality on these large bronze flans often varies; collectors should anticipate potential for minor off-centering, planchet irregularities, and variable die wear. A well-struck example would exhibit full details with minimal defects.