Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (2 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 121 coins, providing AI-powered purchase recommendations and detailed analysis. View more.
Auction Summary
La subasta "Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4", programada para el 14 de enero de 2025, presenta una impresionante colección de 1152 lotes, destacando monedas de diversas épocas y regiones. Entre las piezas más notables se encuentra un estater de plata de Arkadia, datado entre 360-350 a.C., que muestra un magnífico retrato de Deméter y Hermes, con un precio estimado de 180,000 USD. También se destaca un denario de Bruto, famoso por conmemorar el asesinato de Julio César, que se ofrece por 150,000 USD, siendo considerado uno de los más icónicos de la numismática romana. Otro ejemplar notable es un estater de oro de Nektanebo II de Egipto, que representa un caballo y un collar jeroglífico, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Además, se presenta un dekadrachm de Siracusa, que es considerado uno de los más bellos de la antigüedad, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Estas monedas no solo son valiosas por su rareza y belleza, sino que también representan momentos significativos de la historia antigua, lo que las convierte en piezas de gran interés para coleccionistas y estudiosos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 602 Numistats ref: 673092
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
M. Aemilius Lepidus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.07 g, 12h). Rome mint. Head of Alexandria right; wearing mural crown, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ALEXANDREA below / M. Lepidus standing left, crowning the young Ptolemy V with his right hand, who stands facing, holding staff with his right hand; T • VTOR • REG to left; S • C above, PO(NF) • MAX • to right; M • LEPIDVS in exergue. Crawford 419/2; Sydenham 831; Aemilia 23; BMCRR Rome 3648; Kestner 3430-1; RBW 1511 var. (rev. legend arrangement). Toned, with some iridescence, minor marks, scrapes and slightly off center on obverse. Good VF.
Description
Good VF
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 603 Numistats ref: 673093
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
Q. Pomponius Musa. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.81 g, 2h). Rome mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, hair rolled back and in loose locks over forehead; star of nine rays to left / Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, standing left, touching with wand held in right hand a globe set on base; Q • POMPONI downward to right, MVSA downward to left. Crawford 410/8; Sydenham 823; Pomponia 22; BMCRR Rome 3628-32; Kestner 3385-6; RBW 1488. Deeply toned, faint scratches under tone, edge marks. Good VF.
From the CLA Collection. Description
From the CLA Collection. Description
Good VF
Grade
287.63 EUR
Starting
479.38 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 604 Numistats ref: 673094
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
Faustus Cornelius Sulla. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 3h). Rome mint. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, wearing cruciform earring, necklace of pendants, and her hair collected into a knot at back of head, which is decorated with jewels; lituus to left, FAVSTVS downward to right / Sulla, togate, seated left on raised seat; on left, Bocchus, king of Mauretania, kneeling right, offering an olive branch; to right, Jugurtha, king of Numidia, kneeling left, his hands tied behind him; FELIX downward to upper right. Crawford 426/1; Sydenham 879; Cornelia 59; BMCRR Rome 3824; Kestner 3455; RBW 1525. Toned, porosity, flan crack. Good VF.
From the CLA Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind.
Faustus was the son of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the famous general and dictator of Rome (138-78 BC). The coin portrays Sulla's first great victory, in which he ended the Jugurthine War. Jugurtha, grandson of Massinissa of Numidia, had claimed the entire kingdom of Numidia and divided it between several members of the royal family, in defiance of Roman decrees. Rome declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC, but for five years the wily king frustrated all efforts to bring him to heel. Finally, in 106 the popular general Marius was assigned command, with Sulla as quaestor in charge of cavalry. Before Marius could take to the field against the enemy, however, Sulla arranged with his ally Bocchus of Mauretania to have Jugurtha ambushed and captured. Sulla was acclaimed for the bloodless end of the war, gaining his first victory and the eternal enmity of Marius. Description
From the CLA Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind.
Faustus was the son of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the famous general and dictator of Rome (138-78 BC). The coin portrays Sulla's first great victory, in which he ended the Jugurthine War. Jugurtha, grandson of Massinissa of Numidia, had claimed the entire kingdom of Numidia and divided it between several members of the royal family, in defiance of Roman decrees. Rome declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC, but for five years the wily king frustrated all efforts to bring him to heel. Finally, in 106 the popular general Marius was assigned command, with Sulla as quaestor in charge of cavalry. Before Marius could take to the field against the enemy, however, Sulla arranged with his ally Bocchus of Mauretania to have Jugurtha ambushed and captured. Sulla was acclaimed for the bloodless end of the war, gaining his first victory and the eternal enmity of Marius. Description
Good VF
Grade
287.63 EUR
Starting
479.38 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 605 Numistats ref: 673095
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
C. Coelius Caldus. 53 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.93 g, 7h). Rome mint. Bare head of the consul C. Coelius Caldus right; to left, tablet inscribed L • D (Libero : Damno); C • COEL • CALDVS downward to right; COS below / Radiate head of Sol right; to left, S above oval shield decorated with thunderbolt; downward to right, [CALDV]S • III VIR and Macedonian shield. Crawford 437/1b; Sydenham 892; Coelia 5; BMCRR Rome 3835; Kestner 3499; RBW 1550. Lustrous, traces of die rust, slightly off center on reverse. EF.
Description
EF
Grade
431.44 EUR
Starting
719.06 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 606 Numistats ref: 673096
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.77 g, 4h). Rome mint. Head of Gallic captive (Vercingetorix?) right, wearing hair flowing back and long, pointed beard, and a chain around his neck; Gallic shield to left / Two warriors in biga right: one driving, holding whip in right hand and reins in left, and the other, facing backward, holding shield in left hand and brandishing spear in right; L • HOSTILIVS above, SASERN below. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; Sydenham 952; Hostilia 2; BMCRR Rome 3994-5; Kestner 3538-40; RBW 1569. Lightly toned, bankers’ marks. VF. Well centered.
The portrait on the obverse has sometimes been identified as the famous chief of the Arverni, Vercingetorix, whom Julius Caesar captured in 52 BC in Alesia. It is difficult to imagine anyone placing such a dramatic portrait of a defeated foe on their coinage, but it is clear from surviving sources of the period that the Romans had a good deal of respect for the Gauls as honorable warriors. Crawford and Sear believe this identification is unlikely, but the large, distinctive, and carefully engraved head suggests the die cutter worked with an eye toward creating an individualized portrait, rather than a stylized personification of a Gaul. The reverse is also of particular historical interest, in that it depicts the manner in which chariots were used in Celtic Gaul, and perhaps in Britain as well. Description
The portrait on the obverse has sometimes been identified as the famous chief of the Arverni, Vercingetorix, whom Julius Caesar captured in 52 BC in Alesia. It is difficult to imagine anyone placing such a dramatic portrait of a defeated foe on their coinage, but it is clear from surviving sources of the period that the Romans had a good deal of respect for the Gauls as honorable warriors. Crawford and Sear believe this identification is unlikely, but the large, distinctive, and carefully engraved head suggests the die cutter worked with an eye toward creating an individualized portrait, rather than a stylized personification of a Gaul. The reverse is also of particular historical interest, in that it depicts the manner in which chariots were used in Celtic Gaul, and perhaps in Britain as well. Description
good
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 607 Numistats ref: 673097
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Facing mask of Medusa with disheveled hair; L • PLAVTIVS below / Aurora, draped and winged, flying right, head facing slightly left, holding palm frond in left hand, conducting four rearing horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1c; CRI 29a; Sydenham 959b; Plautia 14; BMCRR Rome 4009-10; Kestner 3563; RBW 1585. Toned, with iridescence, minor weakness. Near EF.
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 109 (4 May 2022), lot 420 (hammer €1700). Description
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 109 (4 May 2022), lot 420 (hammer €1700). Description
Near EF
Grade
431.44 EUR
Starting
719.06 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 608 Numistats ref: 673098
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
A. Licinius Nerva. 47 BC. AR Quinarius (10mm, 0.69 g, 10h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right; [NERVA downward to left] / Victory advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left over left shoulder; A • LICINI to right. Crawford 454/4; CRI 32; Sydenham 957; Licinia 26; BMCRR Rome 4003; Kestner –; RBW 1592. Toned, porosity, scratches, delaminations, off center on obverse. VF. Extremely rare, only two in CoinArchives.
Description
VF
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 609 Numistats ref: 673099
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Pompeians. Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). Spring 48 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.73 g, 6h). Mint moving with Pompey in Greece; Cn. Calpurnius Piso, proquaestor. Head of Numa Pompilius right, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA; CN • PISO • PRO • Q to left / Prow of galley right; MAGN above. PRO • COS below. Crawford 446/1; CRI 7; Sydenham 1032; RSC 4 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Spain 62; Kestner 3533; RBW 1565. Deeply toned, small die flaw on reverse. EF. Good metal.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, HSA 1001.1.10492 (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 560. Description
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, HSA 1001.1.10492 (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 560. Description
good
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 610 Numistats ref: 673100
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Pompeians. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and Eppius. 47- Spring 46 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.82 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Scipio in Africa. Small head of Africa right, wearing elephant skin headdress; SCIPIO • IM[P] upward left, grain ear and Q • METELL downward to right, plow below / Hercules standing facing, right hand on hip, leaning on club draped with lion skin and set on rock; [LEG • F • C upward to left], EPPIVS downward to right. Crawford 461/1; CRI 44; Sydenham 1051; Caecilia 50; BMCRR Africa 12; Kestner 3586; RBW 1605. Residual luster. EF. Well struck.
Ex Tauler & Fau 118 (22 November 2022), lot 45. Description
Ex Tauler & Fau 118 (22 November 2022), lot 45. Description
EF
Grade
431.44 EUR
Starting
719.06 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 611 Numistats ref: 673101
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 42-38 BC. Æ As (31mm, 22.96 g, 12h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Laureate janiform head of Pompey the Great; (MA) GN above / Prow of galley right, galley decorated with star and eye on side; PIVS above; IMP in exergue. Crawford 479/1; Martini, Sextus Emission III, Group 1, Series D, 453-4 (D6/R71); CRI 336; Sydenham 1044; BMCRR Spain 101; Kestner 3679-80, 3682-3; RBW 1675–6. Green patina, light porosity, flan adjustment marks. Good VF.
After the defeat of his father and brother by Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompey set up shop in Sicily and carried on as a pirate king, raiding Roman commerce and making a nuisance of himself to Octavian, Caesar's successor as ruler of Italy. Repeated attempts by Octavian to corral Sextus failed ignominiously, once nearly costing Octavian his life. In 39 BC, Sextus entered into a power-sharing agreement with Octavian and his fellow Triumvirs, Mark Antony and Lepidus. But he continued to serve as a magnet for Senatorial resistance and disaffection, so Octavian renewed hostilities the following year. The brilliant admiral Agrippa finally defeated Sextus at Naulochos in 36 BC, but he escaped, fleeing to Antony, who kept him alive as a bargaining chip for awhile, then executed him. The as coinage in the name of Pompey the Great is catalogued sequentially by Martini according to the obverse bust. First a traditional head of Janus, then a janiform head of Pompey the Great, followed by successive series of “mature” and “juvenile” imitative portraits. Description
After the defeat of his father and brother by Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompey set up shop in Sicily and carried on as a pirate king, raiding Roman commerce and making a nuisance of himself to Octavian, Caesar's successor as ruler of Italy. Repeated attempts by Octavian to corral Sextus failed ignominiously, once nearly costing Octavian his life. In 39 BC, Sextus entered into a power-sharing agreement with Octavian and his fellow Triumvirs, Mark Antony and Lepidus. But he continued to serve as a magnet for Senatorial resistance and disaffection, so Octavian renewed hostilities the following year. The brilliant admiral Agrippa finally defeated Sextus at Naulochos in 36 BC, but he escaped, fleeing to Antony, who kept him alive as a bargaining chip for awhile, then executed him. The as coinage in the name of Pompey the Great is catalogued sequentially by Martini according to the obverse bust. First a traditional head of Janus, then a janiform head of Pompey the Great, followed by successive series of “mature” and “juvenile” imitative portraits. Description
Good VF
Grade
431.44 EUR
Starting
719.06 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 612 Numistats ref: 673102
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.85 g, 1111h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Iridescent tone, minor marks, trace deposits. EF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 570; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 342; G. Hirsch 245 (4 May 2006), lot 354. Description
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 570; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 342; G. Hirsch 245 (4 May 2006), lot 354. Description
EF
Grade
862.88 EUR
Starting
1438.13 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 613 Numistats ref: 673103
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.07 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. In NGC encapsulation 2482400-014, graded XF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5.
Description
XF
Grade
431.44 EUR
Starting
719.06 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 614 Numistats ref: 673104
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 46-early 45 BC. AV Quinarius (15mm, 3.97 g, 7h). Rome mint; L. Munatius Plancus, praefectus urbi. Draped and winged bust of Victory right; C • CAES DICT • TER around / Praefericulum; L • PLANC up left, PRAEF • (VR)B down right. Crawford 475/2; CRI 61; Sydenham 1020; Bahrfeldt 22; Biaggi 31; King 68; BMCRR Rome 4123; Kestner 3671; RBW 1665-6. Lightly toned, scratches and scrapes. Good Fine. Very rare.
Description
good fine
Grade
1150.5 EUR
Starting
1917.5 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 615 Numistats ref: 673105
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 6h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Wreathed head right; CAESAR downwards to right, DICT PERPETVO upwards to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; shield set on ground to right; P SEPVLLIVS downwards to right, MACER downwards to left. Crawford 480/10; Alföldi Type VIII, 24-25 (A12/R3); CRI 107a; Sydenham 1073; RSC 38; BMCRR Rome 4169–71; Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, with light iridescence, weakness at the periphery, scrape on reverse. VF.
From the CLA Collection. Ex Berk BBS 63 (13 June 1990), lot 316.
When Crassus was killed in the Parthian campaign in 53 BC, the two remaining members of the First Triumvirate were Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The rivalry between them increased tremendously. In 51 and 50 BC, as Caesar’s appointment in Gaul was nearing an end, the Senate also became fearful, and moved increasingly towards Pompey and his army. Caesar’s legions, full of battle-hardened veterans, felt their loyalty was first to Caesar, and second to Rome. Also, Caesar became very popular with the common people in Rome, who were always a danger to the aristocratic Senate. On January 1, 49 BC, the Senate demanded that Caesar disband his army before returning to Italy. The problem with this was that if Caesar went to Rome defenseless, he would be vulnerable to prosecution by his political enemies. Thus, Caesar fatefully crossed the Rubicon River, famously proclaiming “alea iacta est”- “the die is cast.” With his veteran 13th Legion at his back, he faced no challengers in Italy. Pompey was unable to muster sufficient forces and was forced to flee to Greece where Caesar defeated him at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC. Caesar then began subduing Rome’s enemies, one after another. The Senate, in response, began heaping honors and praise upon him. On February 14, 44 BC, the Senate awarded him the title of dictator perpetuus (dictator for life), indicated on this coin in the legend – DICT PERPETVO. Concurrently, a conspiracy had been in the works for several months to eliminate Caesar and return power to the Senate, headed by Brutus and Cassius. This came to fruition when Caesar was killed on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. Therefore, this coin can be attributed to that one-month period between the time Caesar was given the title of dictator perpetuus and his death. Description
From the CLA Collection. Ex Berk BBS 63 (13 June 1990), lot 316.
When Crassus was killed in the Parthian campaign in 53 BC, the two remaining members of the First Triumvirate were Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The rivalry between them increased tremendously. In 51 and 50 BC, as Caesar’s appointment in Gaul was nearing an end, the Senate also became fearful, and moved increasingly towards Pompey and his army. Caesar’s legions, full of battle-hardened veterans, felt their loyalty was first to Caesar, and second to Rome. Also, Caesar became very popular with the common people in Rome, who were always a danger to the aristocratic Senate. On January 1, 49 BC, the Senate demanded that Caesar disband his army before returning to Italy. The problem with this was that if Caesar went to Rome defenseless, he would be vulnerable to prosecution by his political enemies. Thus, Caesar fatefully crossed the Rubicon River, famously proclaiming “alea iacta est”- “the die is cast.” With his veteran 13th Legion at his back, he faced no challengers in Italy. Pompey was unable to muster sufficient forces and was forced to flee to Greece where Caesar defeated him at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC. Caesar then began subduing Rome’s enemies, one after another. The Senate, in response, began heaping honors and praise upon him. On February 14, 44 BC, the Senate awarded him the title of dictator perpetuus (dictator for life), indicated on this coin in the legend – DICT PERPETVO. Concurrently, a conspiracy had been in the works for several months to eliminate Caesar and return power to the Senate, headed by Brutus and Cassius. This came to fruition when Caesar was killed on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. Therefore, this coin can be attributed to that one-month period between the time Caesar was given the title of dictator perpetuus and his death. Description
VF
Grade
862.88 EUR
Starting
1438.13 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 616 Numistats ref: 673106
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.05 g, 10h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Wreathed and veiled head right; CAESAR downward to right, DICT PERPETVO upward to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; shield set on ground to right; P • SEPVLLIVS downward to right, MACER downward to left. Crawford 480/13; Alföldi Type IX, 91-2 (A48/R56); CRI 107d; Sydenham 1074; RSC 39; BMCRR Rome 4173-4; Kestner 3688-9; RBW 1685. Toned, with hints of iridescence, some luster, minor marks, area of weak strike. Near EF. Superior to either specimen plated in Alföldi.
Ex Paulo Leitão Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 59, 4 April 2011), lot 836; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 290 (conserved since). Description
Ex Paulo Leitão Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 59, 4 April 2011), lot 836; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 290 (conserved since). Description
Near EF
Grade
1725.75 EUR
Starting
2876.25 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 617 Numistats ref: 673107
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 3h). Rome mint. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Laureate head right / Pax standing left, holding a caduceus in right hand and with left, leaning on scepter; L • FLAMINIVS downwards to right, III • VIR upwards to left. Crawford 485/1; CRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26; BMCRR Rome 4201-2; Kestner 3699; RBW –. Toned, minor area of weakness, scratches on obverse. Near EF. Outstanding portrait of fine style, struck in high relief.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy. Description
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy. Description
Near EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 618 Numistats ref: 673108
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Divus Julius Caesar. 40 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.89 g, 11h). Rome mint; Q. Voconius Vitulus, moneyer. Wreathed head right; lituus to left, DIVI • IVLI downwards to right / Bull-calf walking left; Q • VOCONIVS above, VITVLVS in exergue. Crawford 526/2; CRI 329; Sydenham 1132; RSC 46; BMCRR Rome 4308-10; Kestner 3808; RBW –. Toned, minor marks, graffito, banker’s mark on obverse. Good VF.
Description
Good VF
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 619 Numistats ref: 673109
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Republicans. Brutus. Early 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.41 g, 12h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Emblems of the pontificate: securis, simpulum, and secespita; BRVTVS below / Emblems of the augurate: capis and lituus; LENTVLVS/SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/7; CRI 198; Sydenham 1310; RSC 6; BMCRR East 80-1; Kestner 3770; RBW 1766. In NGC encapsulation 2491174-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
The obverse depicts the symbols of the college of pontifices to which Brutus belonged, while the reverse bears the symbols of the priestly college to which P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther was elected in 57 BC, namely, the augurate. Description
The obverse depicts the symbols of the college of pontifices to which Brutus belonged, while the reverse bears the symbols of the priestly college to which P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther was elected in 57 BC, namely, the augurate. Description
BC
Grade
862.88 EUR
Starting
1438.13 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 620 Numistats ref: 673110
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Republicans. Brutus. Early summer 42 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.45 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus in Lycia; Q. Caepius, legatus. Draped bust of Apollo right, hair in ringlets, wearing taenia and laurel wreath / Trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, and two shields, one with incurved sides; below, male and female captives seated at base, each resting head in their hand; Q • CAEPIO • downward to left, BRVTVS in exergue, IMP upward to right. Crawford 503/1; CRI 204; Sydenham 1293; RSC 8; BMCRR East 52; Kestner –; RBW –. Lightly toned, with some luster, scrapes and light porosity, some weakness on reverse, crystallization at edges. Good VF. Extremely rare, only three in CoinArchives.
Description
Good VF
Grade
4314.38 EUR
Starting
7190.63 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 621 Numistats ref: 673111
coin.showNoMatched
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.60 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; P. Servilius Casca Longus, moneyer. Laureate and bearded head of Neptune right; trident below, CASCA upward to left, LONGVS upward to right / Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding palm frond in left hand over left shoulder and broken diadem bound with fillet in both hands; BRVTVS upward to left, IMP upward to right. Crawford 507/2; CRI 212; Sydenham 1298; RSC 3; BMCRR East 63-5; Kestner 3779; RBW 1780. Lightly toned, with golden red iridescence, minor pitting, small scrape on reverse. Good VF.
From the CLA Collection. Ex CNG inventory 720323 (3 May 2000).
P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and was actually the first to plunge his dagger into the dictator on the Ides of March, 15 March, 44 BC. He later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but when it became clear that all was lost he emulated his commander by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. It is ironic that while Casca’s denarius depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status. The appearance of Neptune, god of the sea, is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians. Description
From the CLA Collection. Ex CNG inventory 720323 (3 May 2000).
P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and was actually the first to plunge his dagger into the dictator on the Ides of March, 15 March, 44 BC. He later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but when it became clear that all was lost he emulated his commander by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. It is ironic that while Casca’s denarius depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status. The appearance of Neptune, god of the sea, is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians. Description
Good VF
Grade
575.25 EUR
Starting
958.75 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized