**Lucius Lucretius Trio**  
**72 BCE (Harlan dating)**  
AR Denarius – 3.73 g, 17.4x19.1 mm, 12h  
Rome mint 

*Obv*: Laureate head of Neptune right; XXXVII above trident to left.  
*Rev*: Winged cupid riding dolphin right, L•LVCRET TRIO below.

Crawford-390/2; Sydenham 784; Lucretia 3; RBW 1425

**Provenance:** 

Ex: CNG, E-Auction 462, Lot 292 (Feb 26, 2020)  
Ex: Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün, Münz-Auktion 11, Lot 234 (May 13-14, 1994)

Published in RRDP, [Processed Clippings 300-399](http://numismatics.org/archives/ark:/53695/schaefer.rrdp.processed_300-399#schaefer_clippings_output_390-2_04_od):

**Notes**: The standard identification of the reverse type is that of a winged Genius riding a dolphin. However, Michael Harlan argues that the figure is in fact not Genius, but instead that of Cupid riding a dolphin. Based on a redating of the issue to 72 BCE (instead of the more commonly referenced 76 BCE), Harlan argues that this coin was minted shortly after the Roman naval victory over Mithridates in 73 BCE near Cyzicus, symbolized by the laureate Neptune on the obverse of the coin (Neptune is rarely portrayed with a laurel wreath). The defeat also led to a temporary respite in piracy activities in the seas, which was used as a tactic by Mithridates similar to state-sponsored terrorism. Both these events led to the idea that the seas would soon become safe again to sail. The image of Cupid calmly enjoying the sea atop his dolphin reflects how the Romans viewed the Mediterranean as a peaceful space reclaimed for their enjoyment

L. Lucretius Trio with a winged cupid riding dolphin on reverse