C. Titinius. AR Denarius, 141 BC. Obv. Helmeted head of Roma right with necklace of beads; behind, XVI. Rev. Victory in biga right; below, C·TITINI; in exergue, ROMA. Cr. 226/1a; B. 7 (Titinia). 3.81 g. 18.50 mm. Lightly toned. VF.
Ex Aes Rude 72, 1998, 174.
The Roman Denarius, since its creation as a currency, had always had the value of ten Asses. This was indicated by an X, often present on the obverse of the coin. Over time, the As had decreased in value, so much so that around 140 BC. the Denarius, not changing in weight, began to be worth as much as 16 Asses. This change can be seen on some issues of Denarii, where the value X is replaced on the obverse with the value XVI, indicating the new value in Asses.