Anonymous, Quadrigatus, Ex: EJW, c.1980

AR Quadrigatus or Didrachm, 6.70g. 20mm. c.225-214 B.C. Laureate head of Janus. Rv. ROMA on tablet in relief in exergue. Jupiter holding scepter and thunderbolt being driven to right by Victory in quadriga. CR 28/3. Fine style on a large flan and with old collection toning

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: EJW, Ltd. inventory # 5528, c.1980.

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Extremely Fine/about Extremely Fine $2,500.

Annonymous, AR Quinarius, Luceria mint

AR Quinarius, 2.06g. 16mm. Luceria mint. c.214-212 B.C. Head of Roma to right wearing a Phrygian helmet; V behind and L below bust. Rev. ROMA. The Dioscuri galloping to right. CR 98 A/3.  Syd. 176a. RBW 433. Hairline flan crack at 11:00 obv. Toned

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Elvira E. Clain-Stefanelli collection, died 2001, former curator of coins at the Smithsonian. 

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Extremely Fine $1,100.

Anonymous, Victoriatus, Ex: Leu, 1977, E. Nicolas

AR Victoriatus, 3.26g. 15mm. Luceria mint, c.211-208 B.C. Laureate head of Jupiter to right. Rev. ROMA in exergue.  Victory decorating trophy with wreath to right; L below. CR 97/1a.  Fine old collection toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: E. Nicolas collection, Bank Leu, Zurich, Auction 17, May 3, 1977, lot 51.
Ex: Bank Leu, Zurich, Auction 48, May 10, 1989, lot 279.
Ex: Kricheldorf, Stuttgart, Auction 47, July 29, 2002, lot 174.

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Extremely Fine/good Very Fine $1,200.

Cn. Gellius, 138 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.48g. 18.5mm.  Helmeted head of Roma to right within wreath; X behind.  Rev. CN GEL.   Mars and captive in quadriga to right.  CR 2321.  Syd. 434. RBW 962. 

Crawford notes that the moneyer may be the contemporary historian, Cnaeus Gellius.    He published a massive Roman history in the form of yearly annals from the founding of Rome to his day.   The work only remains in fragmentary form.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Künker, Auction 71, Osnabruck, March 12, 2002, lot 540

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Extremely Fine $950.

Ti. Vetturius, 137 B.C.

AR Denarius, 4.04g. 18.5mm. TI VE. Helmeted bust of Mars to right. Rv. Oath scene: two warriors extending swords to touch pig held by kneeling figure between them. CR 244/1. Syd. 527. Lightly toned and unusually well struck for this issue.

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Extremely Fine $1,500.

M. Furius Philus, 119 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.95g. 21mm.  M FOVRI L F. Janus.  Rev.  ROMA PHILI.  Roma crowning a trophy surmounted by a boar's head; carnyx and shield on either side. ; star above. CR 281/1. Syd. 529.  Lovely iridescent toning and on an unusually full flan with the complete type visible. 

This type commemorates the just completed victories in 120 over the Gallic tribes of the Allobroges and the Averni. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope. (For bio see https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)

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Very Fine $750.

L. Marcius Philippus, 113-112 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.98g, 19mm.  Head of the Macedonian King Philip V to right wearing diadem and helmet with goat's horns; monogram above, "phi" below.  Rev. L PHILIPPVS on raised plague. Horseman to right holding large laurel branch; flower below.  CR 293/1. Syd. 551.   Delicate old collection toning with blue and amber highlights.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: NFA, Auction 27, New York, 1991, lot 383
Ex: Alba Longa collection, Aureo and Calicao, Madrid, Auction 319, 2018, lot 468.

This coin published: Sear, Roman Silver Coins and Their Values. London, 2000, No. 170.

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about Extremely Fine $3,500.

Q. Minucius Thermus, 103 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.90g. 18mm. Head of Mars to left wearing plumed helmet. Rev. Two warriors fighting with swords and shields; the one on the left protects a fallen soldier. CR 319/1. Syd. 592. Wonderful old cabinet toning. Excellent strike and relief.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope. (For bio see https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)

 

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Extremely Fine $2,100.

A. Postumius Albinus, 96 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.99g. 19mm.  ROMA. Laureate head of Apollo to right; star behind; X in front. Rev. A ALBINVS S F.  The Dioscuri watering their horses at the fountain of Juturna in the Forum; crescent in field above.  CR 335/10a. Syd. 612.  

The reverse alludes to an ancestor of the moneyer, A Postumius Albus,  who was dictator and comander of the Roman army against the Latins at the Battle of Lake Regulus  c.496 B.C.   The Dioscuri were said to have intervened to assist the Roman calvary in their victory.  The commander had promised to build a temple to the Dioscuri in Rome in exchange for their assistance; this was built near the Juturna pool in the Forum. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Artemide, San Marino, Auction XLVI, 2016, lot 168.

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $3,500.

D. Silanus, 91 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.88g. 18mm. Head of Silenus to right; plow below; torque on border.  Rev. D SILANVS L. F.   Victory in biga to right holding palm; carnyx below.  CR 3371a. Syd. 644a.  Toned and struck on a full flan.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope.(For bio see https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)

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about Extremely Fine $1,250.

Gar, Ogul, Ver, 86 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.65g. 19mm.  Lauraete head of Apollo to right.  Rev. Jupiter in quadriga to right.  CR 350a/2. Syd. 723. 

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about Extremely Fine $350.

L. Licinius Macer, 84 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.86g. 19mm. Diademed head of Vejovis to left hurling a thunderbolt. Rev. LICINIVS L F MACER in exergue. Minerva with spear and shield in quadriga to right. CR 354/1. Syd. 732. Lustrous with light toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Roberto Russo collection, NFA, Beverly Hills, Auction XXVII, December 4, 1991, lot 417.

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Extremely Fine $1,250.

C. Marius Capito, 81 B.C.

AR Serrate Denarius, 3.68g. 19mm. CAPIT CXII.  Draped bust of Ceres wearing wreath of corn ears to right; sword below chin.  Rev. C MARI C F S C in exergue; CXII above.  Plowman with two oxen to left.  CR 3781c.  Syd. 744b. Banti, Maria 10/33(this coin).   Lovely old cabinet toning. 

Provenance/Pedigree:

Ex: Ratto, List 1, 1969, no. 206.

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $1,850.

A. Postumius Albinus, c.81 B.C.

AR Serrate Denarius, 3.58g. 19mm. HISPAN. Veiled head of Hispania to right. Rev.A POST A F S N A BIN. Togate figure standing to left and raising hand between legionary eagle and fasces. CR 372/2. Syd. 746.  Lovely iridescent toning and an exceptional strike.  

According to Crawford, the obverse may reference the moneyer's ancestor L Postumius Albinus who was praetor in 180 B.C. and had a successful military campaigns in Spain against the Vaccaei and Lusitani tribes.  The reverse with the togate figure may allude to military(eagle standard) and civilian(fasces) imperium. 

Provenance/Pedigree
Ex: Hess, Lucerne, Auction 249, November 13, 1979, lot 276. 

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Extremely Fine $6,500.

L. Papius, 79 B.C.

AR Serrate Denarius, 3.96g. 19mm. Head of Juno Sospita in goat headdress to right; hand wearing caestus behind. Rev. L PAPI in exergue. Griffin leaping to right; torch  below. CR 384/1; symbols 63(symbols 55)  Syd. 773.  Toned and with a scarce obverse symbol.

The caestus was a group of straps worn on a boxer's hands. 

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good Very Fine/Very Fine $750.

M. Volteius, 78 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.63g. 17mm. 78 B.C. Laureate head of Jupiter to right.  Rev. M VOLTEI M F. Capitoline temple.  CR 385/1.  Toned.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: E J Waddell, Ltd, inventory 39414, 1990s with old ticket

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good Very Fine/about Extremely Fine $450.

L. Lucretius Trio, 76 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.86g. 19mm. Laureate head of Neptune to right; trident on shoulder; control mark VIII behind.  Rev.  L LVCRETI TRIO.   Winged boy  riding dolphin to right.  CR 390/2.  Syd. 784.  Conrol mark only listed for 2 examples(Paris and Vienna) in Hersch unpublished MS (ANS).   An exceptional quality example and with fine old cabinet toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Peus, Frankfurt, Auction 366, 2000, lot 1198.

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Extremely Fine $3,750.

Lucius Cassius Longinus, 60 B.C. Voting scene

AR Denarius, 4.07g. 19mm. Veiled and diademed bust of Vesta to left; kylix in field to right; control mark S in field to left.  Rev. LONGIN III V. Voter standing to left dropping ballot marked "V" into cista. CR 413/1. Syd. 935. Luster under light toning and among the finest known examples.

The types refer to the passing of the Lex Cassia tabellaria by an ancestor of the moneyer, Lucius Cassius Ravilla in 137 B.C. The law was part of a series that introduced secret ballots for popular assembly voting; in this case for jury decisions with the exception of treason. The ballot marked "V" is an abbreviation for VTI ROGAS , a formula for a vote in the affirmative. The laws were debated by Cicero in his De Legibus.

Provenance//Pedigree:
Ex: Tkalec, Zurich, Auction, February 29,2008, lot 179.

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Mint State $4,500.

L Marcius Philippus, 56 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.93g. 19mm.  ANCVS.  Diademed head of Ancus Marcius to right; lituus behind head.   Rev.  L PHILIPPVS.  Equestrian rider on aquaduct to right; flower below.  AQVA MAR within arches of the aquaduct.    CR 425/1. Syd. 919.  Lovely multi-hued toning.

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about Extremely Fine $850.

Q. Cassius Longinus, 55 B.C.

AR Denarius, 4.22g. 17.5mm. Q CASSIVS VEST. Veiled head of Vesta to right. Rev. Temple of Vesta with curule chair inside; ballot urn in field to left; voting tablet to right inscribed A(Absolvo) and C (Condemno). CR 428/2.  Syd. 918

This type refers to the moneyer's ancestor, Lucius Cassius Longinus Ravilla. He was responsible for a law while tribune in 137 which allowed voting by secret ballot for all trials before the Assembly with the exception of treason. He was also the judge in 113 for a trial of three Vestal virgins, Aemilia, Marcia, and Licinia, who were accused of being unchaste and were condemned.

 

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good Very Fine/Very Fine $850.

P. Fonteius Capito, 54 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.74g. 18,mm.  P FONTEIVS P F CAPITO III VIR.  Helmeted head of Mars to right; trophy over shoulder.  Rev.  MN FONT TR MIL.  Horseman spearing warrior below who is holding a shield and thrusting a sword toward a captive; helmet and shiled in field to right.  CR 429/1. Syd. 900.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 2, 1990, lot 422
Ex: Aufhauser, Munich, Auciton 12, 1996, lot 358. 

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Mint State $3,500.

P. Fonteius Capito, 54 B.C.

AR Denarius, 4.03g. 18mm. P FONTEIVS P F CAPITO III VIR CONCORDIA.  Diademed and veiled head of Concordia to right; some light die breaks in fields. Rev. T DIDI IMP VIL PVB.  The Villa Publica with gates attached to the columns. CR 429/2b.  Syd. 901a. Banti, Fonteia 34/1(this coin illustrated).  Lovely old collection toning and exceptionally complete.

The Villa Publica was originally built c.435 B.C. on the Campus Martius to be used for taking the census. The Villa was enlarged in 194 B.C. and was used for the levies of the army, inspection of arms, and still for the census.  Generals returning to Rome were also housed in the Villa while they awaited a decision of the Senate if a triumph was to be declared.  (See: L. Richardson Jr, A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome, pp. 430-431.

The moneyer is probably a relative of the T.Didius, consul in 98 B.C., who restored the Villa Publica.  The moneyer may also have been a friend of Cicero as mentioned in Crawford.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 52, June 19, 1975, lot 394.
Ex: Bankhaus Aufhaüser, Munich, Auction 12, 1996, lot 359. 

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Extremely Fine $6,500.

Marcus Junius Brutus, 54 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.92g. 19mm.  LIBERTAS.  Head of Libertas to right wearing earing and necklace with pendants.  Rev. BRVTVS.  The consul L . Junius Brutus processing to left between two lictors carrying fasces with axes; the procession is lead by an accensus.   CR 433/1.  Syd. 906. Toned.

Provenance/Pedigree
Ex: EJW Ltd List 47, 1990, no. 51.

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good Very Fine/Very Fine $1,500.

C. Coelius Caldus, 51 B.C., ex: Knobloch

AR Denarius, 3.94g. 17.5mm C COEL CALDVS COS. Head of C. Coelius Caldus to right; standard inscribed HIS behind; boar below.  Rev. C CALDVS IMP AN X in columns; L CALDVS VII VIR EP V on table. Table with figure behind preparing epulum(sacred banquet); trophies of arms and armor to left and right. CR 437/2a. Syd. 894.  

The type commemorates the military victories of the moneyer's ancestor who was Consul in 94 B.C. and is a superb late Republican realistic portrait.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope. (For bio see https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)
Ex: Frederick Knobloch collection, Stacks, New York, May 3, 1978, lot 502 with Stacks envelope. 

 

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about Extremely Fine $5,000.

C. Vibius Pansa, 48 B.C.

AR Denarius, 4.03g. 18mm.  PANSA.  Mask of Pan.  Rev.  C VIBIVS C F C N IOVIS AXVR. Jupiter Anxurus enthroned to left holding patera and scepter.   CR 449/1a.  Syd. 947.  Sear, Imperators 20.   Lovely old cabinet toning.  Exceptional quality with an expressive Pan head and finely excecured detail on Jupiter. 

Both Crawford and Sear note that the reverse type of a youthful Jupiter refers to a temple and cult of this god at the southern Italian city of Terracina whose ancient name was Anxurus.  The obverse type is a pun on the moneyer's name.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope. (For bio see https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)

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Extremely Fine $2,500.

Q. Metellus Pius Scipio, 47-46 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.77g. 17mm. Military mint traveling with Scipio in Africa. Q METELL SCIPIO IMP. Laureate head of Africa to right wearing elephant headdress; plow below; corn in field to right. Rev. EPPIVS LEG F C. Hercules standing and facing resting arm on large club draped with lion's skin. CR 461/1. Sydenham 1051. Sear, Imperators 44. Attractive light toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Tkalec, Zurich, Auction, February 29, 2008, lot 244.

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about Extremely Fine $1,700.

Q. Metellus Pius Scipio, 47-46 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.45g. 17.5mm. Military mint in Africa. Q METEL PIVS. Laureate head of Jupiter to right. Rev. IMP SCIPIO. Elephant walking to right. CR 459/1. Syd. 1046. Old cabinet toning with amber highlights.

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about Extremely Fine $2,500.

Julius Caesar, d.44 B.C.

AR Denarius, 4.10g. 19mm.  Moneyer, L. Mussidius Longus, Rome, 42 B.C.   Wreathed head of Julius Caesar to right.  Rev.  L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS.  Rudder, cornucopia,  caduceus, and apex around central globe.   CR 494/39a. Syd. 1096a.  Sear, Greek Imperators 116.  Spectacular portrait of Caesar and of superb quality.

The portrait of the now divine Julius Caesar on the obverse was a powerful propaganda image for the forces of Octavian and Antony who were pursuing his assassins.     The reverse type symbolizes Rome's control over the globe(land and sea) with cornucopia and rudder, Caesar's office as Pontifex Maximus with the apex, and the happiness of the Roman people with the caduceus.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Mark Salton (born Max Schlessinger)  collection, Frankfurt and NY, 1914-2005, with collector's old ticket and envelope. ( For bio see: https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2485)

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Extremely Fine $22,500.

P. Accoleius Lariscolus, c.43 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.82g. 19mm. P ACCOLEIVS. LARISCOLVS. Draped bust of Diana to right. Rev. Triple cult statue of Diana, Herkate, and Selene; cypress trees behind. CR 486/1. Syd. 1148. Sear, Imperators 172.  Lovely old cabinet toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Peus, Auction 420, Frankfurt/Main, November 1, 2017, lot 128

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Extremely Fine/about Extremely Fine $2,500.

Dn. Domitius Calvinus, 39 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.44g. 19mm. Osca, Spain. OSCA. Head of Hercules to right. Rv. DOM COS ITER IMP. Simpulum, aspergillum, axe, and apex. CR 532/1. Syd. 1358. Lovely iridescent toning with underlying luster.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Auctiones, Basel, Auction: 10, June 12, 1979, lot 444.

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $2,500.

Marc Antony, 32-31 B.C.

 AR Denarius 3.50g. 18mm.  Legionary type.  Military mint,  Patrae(?).  ANT AVG III VIR R P C. Galley to right. Rev. LEG IV. Eagle and legionary standards. CR 544/17. Syd, 1219; minute banker's mark in reverse field.  Fine old toning.  

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about Extremely Fine $1,875. Sold

Octavian, 32-31 B.C.

AR Denarius, 3.75g. 19mm.  Uncertain Italian mint, perhaps Rome. Diademed head of Pax to right; olive branch to right.  Rev. CAESAR DIVI F.  Octavian in military garb walking to right; he holds scepter and extends hand.  RIC 253. Sear, Imperators 253.  BMCRR Rome, 4329.   Elegant style head of Pax and an exceptionally well detailed figure of Octavian.  Lightly toned.  

The fine style of this issue foreshadows the Neo-Classical art style that the later Augustus would pursue.  

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Andrew McCabe collection with his ticket
Ex: Astarte, Lugano, Auction XXII, May 15, 2010, lot 164.

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Extremely Fine $7,500.

Octavian, 29-27 B.C.
AR Denarius, 3.88g. 18mm. IMP. Helmeted head of Mars to right. Rv. CAESAR. Shield decorated with eight-rayed star at center in front of crossed spear and sword. BMC 644. RIC 274. Lovely old toning and an exceptionally well detailed reverse. See more detailed image
about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $2,500.