Semis bull with wreath

Historical Context: This Semis, issued by the Untikesken gens between 195 BC and 170 BC, hails from a dynamic period of the Roman Republic following the Second Punic War. Rome was consolidating its Mediterranean dominance, and moneyers like those from the Untikesken gens oversaw coinage. Bronze coinage, including the Semis (half-as), formed the backbone of daily commerce. The gens likely used iconography to commemorate lineage or achievements, reflecting the growing importance of individual magistrates in public representation during this era.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is anonymous, typical for Roman Republican bronze issues, the coin reflects the robust, functional aesthetic of its time, blending indigenous Roman design with nascent Hellenistic influences. The obverse prominently features a wreathed bull, a powerful symbol of agricultural wealth, sacrifice, or martial prowess, potentially alluding to the gens's heritage or a significant event. The wreath itself signifies victory or honor. The design prioritizes clear symbolic communication, characteristic of the period's public art.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial bronze flan, 25 mm in diameter and weighing 12 gg, this Semis typically exhibits variable strike quality. Key high-points for wear and strike assessment include the bull's head, horns, and shoulders, as well as the individual leaves and ties of the wreath. Collectors should evaluate for strong centering, full details on the bull's musculature, and clear rendering of the wreath. Weak strikes or off-center flans are common, reflecting the mass production methods, impacting a coin's grade.