Crawford 252/1, Roman Republic, L. Postumius Albinus, Denarius

Roman Republic (Rome mint 131 BC.), L. Postumius Albinus.
AR Denarius (3.87 g, 19-20 mm).
Obv.: Head of Roma with winged helmet r.; behind, apex; under chin, mark of value XVI monogram.
Rev.: L. POST. ALB / ROMA Mars in quadriga r., holding spear, shield, reins and trophy.
Crawford 252/1 ; Syd. 472 ; Bab. Postumia 1 .

The apex - a tight fitting leather cap with a metal peak - was the insignia of the flamen. The flamines in Rome were a board of 15 priests, who were responsible each for the worship and temple of one special god. The three most important flamines took care of the cult of Jupiter, Mars and Quirinus. As Mars is depicted on the rev. of this coin, Crawford, 281 assumes that this coin refers to L. Postumius Albinus, who has been flamen Martialis, priest of Mars.