Roman Republic silver Denarius minted circa 145 BC by "moneyer" M. Junius Silanus.
Custom mounted into a 14k yellow gold bezel pendant. Measures approximately 1 inch from the top of the bail to the bottom of the bezel, 3/4 inch across.
Before Julius Caesar, circa 44 BC, and the Roman Empire, the Republic of Rome designated three military men each year to mint coins. Many times members of the same family would be appointed for generations. The "Moneyer", officer in charge of the mint, would choose his own design, often glorifying an ancestor's deeds.