As SAGV

Historical Context: Struck by Saguntum in 50 BC, this As exemplifies a pivotal moment in Iberian history under Roman Republican hegemony. As a Roman *foederata* in Hispania Citerior, Saguntum retained significant autonomy, including the right to mint bronze coinage. The mid-1st century BC saw intense Roman civil strife; yet, Saguntum’s continued issuance of substantial bronze *aes* like this piece attests to its economic vitality and stable civic administration, even amidst the Republic's broader political turmoil.

Artistry: The iconography—laureate Hercules head on the obverse, galley prow with SAGV legend and dolphin on the reverse—is distinctly Roman, reflecting Saguntum's integration into the Roman sphere. No specific engraver is known. The style is characteristic of provincial Roman numismatic art from Hispania, blending Hellenistic-Roman motifs. These designs, often rendered with a robust, less refined naturalism compared to metropolitan Roman issues, were executed by local Iberian artisans adapting foreign influences to their established minting practices.

Technical/Grading: For this substantial bronze As (18.35 gg, 29 mm), critical high-points for grade assessment include Hercules’s lion-skin mane, eye, and nose, alongside the galley prow's volute and deck structure. The legibility of the "SAGV" legend and the dolphin is paramount. Well-centered examples with full, even strike pressure are rare due to challenges with large bronze flans. Absence of significant porosity, pitting, or flan cracks, coupled with a strong strike, elevates an example considerably.