weight 3,64gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed head of Fortuna Populi Romani right,
FORT before, P•R behind
rev. Filleted palm-branch and caduceus in saltire, wreath above,
Q•SICINIVS below, III - VIR across field

In the opening days of the year 49 BC the city on the Tiber was rife with rumours concerning the activities of Caesar. It was in this atmosphere of uncertainty and alarm that the moneyer Quintus Sicinius was appointed by the pro-Pompeian government in Rome. The coinage of Sicinius was to be the last normal issue of silver denarii prior to the Caesarean occupation of the city. It ceased when the moneyer fled with the other Pompeians before Caesar′s victorious advance.

The legend FORT P•R on the obverse means Fortuna Populus Romanus and clearly refers to Pompeius Magnus himself, his past achievement, and his anticipated success against Caesar should matters come down to a trial of strength. The goddess Fortuna will surely smile kindly on the great general whose loyal service to Rome has already brought him honour and acclaim, symbolized by the palm-branch and wreath.

Crawford 440/1 ; Sydenham 938 ; CRI.1 ; Albert 1374 ; Sear 410
Magnificent coin with excellent details Rare this nice.
xf+

weight 3,87gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Diademed head of Fortuna Populi Romani right, FORT before, P•R behind
rev. Filleted palm-branch and caduceus in saltire, wreath above,
Q•SICINIVS below, III - VIR across field

In the opening days of the year 49 BC the city on the Tiber was rife with rumours concerning the activities of Caesar. It was in this atmosphere of uncertainty and alarm that the moneyer Quintus Sicinius was appointed by the pro-Pompeian government in Rome. The coinage of Sicinius was to be the last normal issue of silver denarii prior to the Caesarean occupation of the city. It ceased when the moneyer fled with the other Pompeians before Caesar′s victorious advance.

The legend FORT P•R on the obverse means Fortuna Populus Romanus and clearly refers to Pompey himself, his past achievement, and his anticipated success against Caesar should matters come down to a trial of strength. The goddess Fortuna will surely smile kindly on the great general whose loyal service to Rome has already brought him honour and acclaim, symbolized by the palm-branch and wreath.

Crawford 440/1 ; Sydenham 938 ; CRI.1 ; Albert 1374 ; Sear 410
vf à vf/xf

weight 3,61gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Diademed head of Apollo right, star below,
Q•SICINIVS before, III•VIR behind
rev. Club of Hercules supporting lion′s skin, the head in profile to right,
arrow and bow in field on either side, C•COPONIVS on right, •PR•S•C on left

Quintus Sicinius now strikes as a moneyer in exile in the East, having fled Italy with Pompeius following Caesar′s invasion. The praetor Caius Coponius commanded the Pompeian fleet. In order to assert the validity of the issue the formula S C (Senates Consulto) is added, indicating that the coins were struck under senatorial authority. As Ephesus was the residence of Pompey, it is possible that this issue was minted there, although also other cities in the area are possible. Possibly this issue of denarii was intended for the use of the Pompeian fleet.

The gens Coponia was a plebeian family at Rome. The family was prominent at Rome during the first century BC. The most famous of the gens may have been Caius Coponius, praetor in 49 BC, and a partisan of Pompeius, whom although proscribed by the triumvirs in 43, was subsequently pardoned, and came to be regarded as a greatly respected member of the Senate. Together with Quintus Sicinius, he was responsible for the mintage of this denarius.

Crawford 444/1a ; Sydenham 939 ; CRI.3 ; Albert 1377 ;
Woytek Arma et Nummi p. 558 ; Sear 413
Amazing coin with excellent details. About as struck.
Very rare this nice.
about unc

weight 4,11gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Salus right, SALVTIS upwards behind
rev. Valetudo standing left, resting left elbow on column and holding snake
in uplifted right hand, MN•ACILIVS on right, III VIR VALETV on left

When Caesar took possession of Rome in early 49 BC, there was an urgent need of money. The moneyer Manius Acilius Glabrio was probably already in office prior to Caesar′s arrival in Rome. As he decided to support the new regime, Acilius was the first moneyer who minted denarii at the Capitoline mint for Julius Caesar.  It was a large an important issue and must have played a vital role in the opening phase of Caesar′s rule in Rome.

Salus and Valetudo stand for good health. According to the traditional view, the master of the mint wants to express that the genes Acilia deserve the credit for the introduction of decent medical care in Rome. In 219 BC The Greek doctor Archagathus had set up a practice at a crossroads named after the gens Acilia. Bernhard Woytek, on the other hand, suspects that the reverse was still planned under senatorial authority and was intended to celebrate the recovery of Pompey (with an obverse that also referred to it), but was then combined with the harmless Salus obverse under Caesarian control.

Crawford 442/1a ; Sydenham 922 ; CRI.16 ; Albert 1376 ; Sear 412
Amazing coin with excellent details. About as struck. Rare this nice.
about unc

weight 4,09gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Salus right, SALVTIS upwards behind
rev. Valetudo standing left, resting left elbow on column and holding snake
in uplifted right hand, MN•ACILIVS on right, III VIR VALETV on left

When Caesar took possession of Rome in early 49 BC, there was an urgent need of money. The moneyer Manius Acilius Glabrio was probably already in office prior to Caesar′s arrival in Rome. As he decided to support the new regime, Acilius was the first moneyer who minted denarii at the Capitoline mint for Julius Caesar.  It was a large an important issue and must have played a vital role in the opening phase of Caesar′s rule in Rome.

Salus and Valetudo stand for good health. According to the traditional view, the master of the mint wants to express that the genes Acilia deserve the credit for the introduction of decent medical care in Rome. In 219 BC The Greek doctor Archagathus had set up a practice at a crossroads named after the gens Acilia. Bernhard Woytek, on the other hand, suspects that the reverse was still planned under senatorial authority and was intended to celebrate the recovery of Pompey (with an obverse that also referred to it), but was then combined with the harmless Salus obverse under Caesarian control.

Crawford 442/1a ; Sydenham 922 ; CRI.16 ; Albert 1376 ; Sear 412
beautiful example with attractive toning
vf/xf à xf-

weight 3,79gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Bearded head of Numa Pompilius, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA,
surrounded by the legend; CN•PISO•PROQ  
rev. Prow of galley right, MAGN above, PRO•COS below

Minted by monetarius Cnaeus Calpirnius Piso, proquastor.

Pompey the Great (29 September 106 BC – 28 September 48 BC) was one of the main Roman military leaders and statesmen during the final decades of the Roman Republic. He made a political alliance with Julius Caesar, married his daughter, and then fought against him for control of the empire. A skilled warrior, Pompey became known as Pompey the Great.

The second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, appears on the obverse of this coin as an allusion to the nomen (family name) of the issuing proquaestor for, according to tradition, Pompilius had a son by the name of Calpus, from whom the gens Calpurnia was descended and derived its name. Striking for Pompey Magnus, the prow on the reverse was intended to recall and glorify Pompey′s famous victories over the Cilician pirates in 67/6 BC.

Cohen 4 ; Crawford 446/1 ; Sydenham 1032 ;
CRI.7 ; Kestner 3533 ; Albert 1381 ; Sear 1373 R
Coin of expeptional high quality. Near mintstate. Very rare this nice.
about unc

weight 4,04gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Head of young Bacchus (or Liber) right, wearing ivy-wreath,
PANSA downward to left
rev. Ceres advancing right, holding a torch in each hand, plouph before,
C • VIBIVS • C • F • C • N behind

Caius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was the adoptive son of the Caius Vibius Pansa, who held the office of moneyer at the time of the Social War (circa 90 BC). Caius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was a loyal ally of Julius Caesar. After his moneyship he was first appointed governor of Bithynia (47-46 BC), then of Cisalpine Gaul (45 BC), and was designated by Caesar for the consulship in 43 BC. A good example of the possible rapidity of advancement in public life in Caesarian Rome. In the maelstrom of intrigue and political manoeuvrings following Caesar′s assassination (44 BC), Pansa embarked on his consulship with Aulus Hirtius as his colleague. Both consul, however, perished in office following the raising of Antony′s siege of Mutina despite their success in this operation. Rumour had it that Pansa, already wounded at Forum Gallorum, was a victim of Caesar′s 19-year-old heir Octavian, who saw an opportunity to take his place as consul. Unlike the coinage of Hostilius Saserna, the types of which are pure Caesarean propaganda, that of Pansa would seem to be principally concerned with his own family history.

This intriguing type shows the head of Bacchus ( or Liber) on the obverse. The reverse shows Ceres holding torches, searching for her daughter Proserpina in the darkness of the underworld, following Pluto′s abduction of Proserpina. The appearance of Ceres on this reverse is probably connected to a distribution of grain to the Roman people and to the Ludi Cereales games, which were part of the festival of the Cerealia, held each year in Rome to honor Ceres, goddess of grains and cereal crops.  It lasts fro eight days and the Cerealia culminates on its final day. They centred on the chariot races of the Circus Maximus.

Crawford 449/2 ; BMCRR 3976 ; CRI.21 ;
Sydenham 946 ; Albert 1392 ; Sear 421 R
A few very minor scratches. Beautiful lustrous coin
with excellent details. Mint state.
Very rare in this high state of preservation.
unc

weight 3,82gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Mask of bearded Pan right, PANSA below
rev. Jupiter Anxurus seated left, holding patera and scepter
C•VIBIVS•C•F•C•N•IOVIS•AXVR
ref. Crawford 449/2 ; BMC 3978 ; CRI.20 ; Sydenham 947 ; Albert 1391 R

Caius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was the adoptive son of the Caius Vibius Pansa, who held the office of moneyer at the time of the Social War (circa 90 BC). Caius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was a loyal ally of Julius Caesar. After his moneyship he was first appointed governor of Bithynia (47-46 BC), then of Cisalpine Gaul (45 BC), and was designated by Caesar for the consulship in 43 BC. A good example of the possible rapidity of advancement in public life in Caesarian Rome. In the maelstrom of intrigue and political manoeuvrings following Caesar′s assassination (44 BC), Pansa embarked on his consulship with Aulus Hirtius as his colleague. Both consul, however, perished in office following the raising of Antony′s siege of Mutina despite their success in this operation. Rumour had it that Pansa, already wounded at Forum Gallorum, was a victim of Caesar′s 19-year-old heir Octavianus, who saw an opportunity to take his place as consul. Unlike the coinage of Hostilius Saserna, the types of which are pure Caesarean propaganda, that of Pansa would seem to be principally concerned with his own family history. The obverse represents nothing more than a opun on the moneyer′s cognomen Pansa. It is in fact copied from the coinage of his adoptive father, issued more than forty years before. The reverse however, is of more interest. Jupiter Anxurus would seem to refer to some family connection with Tarracina, the earlier name of which was Anxur. It was situated on the west coast of Italy, about 100 kilometers south-east of Rome. The city possessed a famous shrine of Jupiter on its acropolis.

attractive dark tone
xf

weight 3,75gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed female head (Clementia ?) right, wearing oak-wreath
rev. Victory advancing right, her wings spread, holding caduceus in
right hand and trophy of gallic arms over left shoulder, around the text;
L•HOSTILIVS SASERNA

Lucius Hostilius Saserna was apponted triumvir monetalis in 48 BC. About his subsequent career history is silent. His coinage concentrates on the theme of Caesar′s conquest in Gaul and thus complements the military issues of Caesar himself which probably commenced after the Battle of Pharsalos on 9 August 48 BC. Saserna’s coinage should thus be regarded as belonging to the latter part of the year 48 BC.

Sear 417 ; Crawford 448/1 ; Sydenham 951 ; CRI.17 ; Albert 1388 R
Small bankers mark on the obverse.
xf-

weight 3,69gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
Lucius Hostilius Saserna was an ally of Julius Caesar.

obv. Head of female Gallic captive right, with dishevelled hair, carnyx behind
rev. Cultus-statue of Diana (Artemis) facing with stag and spear
L•HOSTILIVS to right, SASERNA to left

The gens Hostilia was an ancient family at Rome. The nomen Hostilius is a patronymic surname, based on the praenomen Hostus, which was borne by the ancestors of the gens. The same praenomen gave rise to another gens, with the nomen Hostius. The earliest known member of the Hostilii was Hostus Hostilius, a Roman champion in the earliest days of the city. However, if he also bore the nomen Hostilius, then that name must have originated at an earlier time. The meaning of the praenomen remains obscure; but it could possibly have originated as a variation of Faustus, another ancient name meaning fortunate; in Etruscan we find two possible cognates, the feminine praenomina Fasti and Hasti, of which the latter is a variation of the former.

The Hostilii came originally from Medullia, an ancient city in Latium, and are thought to have settled at Rome in the time of Romulus. Although the Hostilii of the Republic had no specific tradition about Medullia, coins minted by one of the later Hostilii bear the heads of Pallor and Pavor, the gods of fear and panic, in an allusion to Tullus Hostilius, who vowed temples to Pallor and Pavor during his war with Veii and Fidenae. If the later Hostilii were descended from the Hostilii of the regal period, then they were of Medullian origin.

The most famous member of the gens was Tullus Hostilius, the third King of Rome; however, all of the Hostilii known from the time of the Republic were plebeians. Several of the Hostilii were distinguished during the Punic Wars. The first of the family to obtain the consulship was Aulus Hostilius Mancinus in 170 BC. Lucius Hostilius Saserna was appointed triumvir monetalis in 48 BC. He was an ally of Julius Caesar.

This highly interesting type would seem to refer to an incident in the early stages of the civil war between Caesar and Pompeius. It will be remembered that shortly after taking possession of Rome, Caesar had marched west to confront the Pompeian forces in Spain. His advance was briefly hampered by the stubborn resistance of the Greek city of Massalia (modern Marseille) on the southern coastline of Gaul and he was obliged to spend valuable time organizing a siege by sea as well as by land. Having made the necessary arrangements he continued on his march to Spain leaving others to take care of the reduction of Massalia. Ultimately it fell into Caesarean hands and on his journey home following his success in Spain, Caesar was able to visit the city. Although the inhabitants were spared the uasual atrocities of retribution, Massalia was nevertheless deprived of its extensive territories and ceased to exercise any independent political influence in western Mediterranean affairs. The reverse type of this denarius commemorates the episode through its depiction on an archaic statue of the Ephesian Artemis. This deity was held in special reverence by the Greek citizens of Massalia and the city possessed a splendid temple erected in honour of the goddess.

cf. NAC Auction 143, Zürich 7 May 2024, Lot (in xf : SFR 1.800 + 22,5%)

Sear 419 ; Crawford 448/3 ; Sydenham 953 ; CRI.19 ; Albert 1390 R
Attractive toning. Rare historical coin.
vf+

weight 3,77gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
Military mint traveling with Caesar in North Africa.

obv. Diademed head of Venus right
rev. Aeneas moving left, head facing, holding Palladium and
bearing his father Anchises on left shoulder, CAESAR at right

This cointype was struck by Caesar, short after his Victory over Pompeius at the Battle of Pharsalus (9 August 48 BC). It was struck at an African mint while he was battling against the remnants of the Pompeian forces, led by Metellus Pius Scipio. The head of Venus advertises the Julian family′s lineage, which supposedly stretched back to the love goddess′s coupling with the Trojan hero Aeneas. The reverse is a scene straight out of Greco-Roman mythology; Aeneas fleeing the flames of Troy, carrying his aged father Anchises on his shoulder, rescuing the sacred Palladium (an archaic statue of Minerva), which would find a new home in Rome. The Gens Julia claimed to be descendants of Ascanius Julus, a son of Aeneas.

cf. Künker, Auktion 377, Lot 5609 (in xf with light scatches;  € 2.800 + 25%)

Cohen 12 ; Sydenham 1013 ; Crawford 458/1 ;
CRI.55 ; BMC 31 ; Albert 1400
Magnificent piece with excellent details. Near mintstate. Rare this nice.
unc-

weight 3,92gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Bare head of the consul A.Postumius Albinus right  A•POSTVMIVS•COS
rev.  ALBINV BRVTI F within wreath of corn-ears

On the obverse we see the portrait of A.Postumius Albinus, an ancestor of this monetarius. He was a consul in 99 BC. Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus was born around 84 BC. He belonged to the prominent Gens Junia, and was a relative of Marcus Junius Brutus. As young man he was friends with Clodius and Mark Antony. In 44 BC Marcus Junius Brutus persuade him to join the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. In that period he remained the confidence of Caesar, and was appointed by him to praetor and Governor of Cisalpine Gaul. On 15 March 44 BC, Julius Caesar was murdered by the conspirators, in the theatre of Pompey, including Marcus Brutus and Cassius Longinus, Decimus Brutus. The testament of Caesar turned out that Decimus Brutus was adopted by Caesar in the second degree, after Octavian, to be his successor……

Sear 428 ; Crawford 450-3b ; Sydenham 943a ; CRI.27 ; Albert 1398 ;
Babelon Postumia 13 and Junia 28 ; 
cf. Numismatica Ars Classica, auction 97, lot 27 (about xf  CHF 1.800 + 18%) R
Attractive coin with an excellent portrait.
xf-

weight 3,92gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Laureate head of Africa right, clad in elephant′s skin, ear of corn
before, plough below, Q•METELL on right, SCIPIO IMP on left
rev. Naked Herakles standing facing, his right hand on hip, left resting
on club draped with lion’s skin and set on rock, EPPIVS on right,
LEG•F•C on left

Metellus Scipio was born round 100 BC as Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica. His grandfather was the P. Cornelius Scipio Nasica Serapio who was consul in 111 BC; his father Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica (born 128 BC) married Licinia Crassa, daughter of the L. Licinius Crassus who was consul in 95 BC. The father died not long after his praetorship (circa 93 BC), and was survived by two sons and two daughters. The brother was adopted by their grandfather Crassus, but left little mark on history. Publius Scipio, as he was referred to in contemporary sources early in his life, was adopted in adulthood through the testament of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, consul in 80 BC and pontifex maximus. He retained his patrician status: this legal process constitutes adoption only in a loose sense; Scipio becomes a Caecilius Metellus in name while inheriting the estate of Metellus Pius, but was never his "son" while the pontifex maximus was alive. He was called "Metellus Scipio" but also sometimes just "Scipio" even after his adoption. The official form of his name as evidenced in a decree of the senate was "Q. Caecilius Q. f. Fab. Metellus Scipio."

Metellus Scipio has been listed as tribune of the plebs in 59, but his patrician status argues against his holding the office. It is possible that Scipio′s ′adoption′ into a plebeian gens may have qualified him for a tribunate on a technicality. He was possibly curule aedile in 57 BC, when he presented funeral games in honor of his adopted father′s death six years earlier. He was praetor, most likely in 55 BC, during the second joint consulship of Pompeius and Marcus Crassus. In 53 BC, he was interrex with M. Valerius Messalla. He became consul with Pompeius in 52 BC. Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio′s connection by marriage to Pompey the Great earned him the consulship in 52 BC, with the price that he target Julius Caesar through actions in the Senate. As a result, Scipio introduced legislation calling for Caesar to relinquish his command in Gaul and to disband his legions. Caesar ignored the demand and when he crossed the Rubicon in January of 49. By ignoring the ultimatum, Caesar made war inevitable. Scipio fled with Pompey.

That same year, he became proconsul of the province of Syria. In Syria and in the province of Asia, where he took up winter quarters, he used often oppressive means to gather ships, troops, and money: He put a per capita tax on slaves and children; he taxed columns, doors, grain, soldiers, weaponry, oarsmen, and machinery; if a name could be found for a thing, that was seen as sufficient for making money from it.

In 48 BC, he brought his forces from Asia to Greece, where he maneuvered against Gn. Domitius Calvinus and L. Cassius until the arrival of Pompeius. At the Battle of Pharsalus, he commanded the center. After the optimates′ defeat by Caesar, Metellus fled to Africa. With the support of his former rival-in-romance Cato, he wrested the chief command of Pompeius′s forces from the loyal Attius Varus, probably in early 47. This coin was struck during Scipio′s African campaign to pay the soldiers under his command. Quintus Metellus Pius Scipio, despite his illustrious name and the battlefield of Africa (upon which a Scipione was reputedly unbeatable), was just as doomed as the cause he fought for. Shortly after this issue was struck, he held command at the Battle of Thapsus (6 April 46 BC) "without skill or success," and was defeated along with Cato. After the defeat he tried to escape to the Iberian Peninsula to continue the fight, but was cornered by the fleet of Publius Sittius. He committed suicide by stabbing himself so he would not fall at the hands of his enemies. The Battle of Tapsus ended with the total rout of the Pompeians.

The legate Marcus Eppius was a prominent supporter of the Pompeian cause from the time of the outbreak of the civil war in 49 BC. His title ′LEF F C′ is of special interest as it occurs nowhere else on the coinage. The most likely expansion of the abbrevation is ′legatus fisci castrensis′ (′legate of the camp treasury′), which would imply that the mint was a military one. This ′series′ is described as ′crude′. The styling generating statements that..."Scipio must have had difficulty securing talented engravers as this type is typically crudely stylized..." The annoyed expression on Hercules face and his hand on hip stance seem to suggest either the engraver, the ′deity′ or the ′moneyers′ had some significant ′transgender′ issues. Eppius survived Thapsus and we shall meet him again striking for Sextus Pompeius in Spain in 45/44 BC. Eppius survived Thapsus and we shall meet him again striking for Sextus Pompeius in Spain in 45/44 BC.

cf. NAC auction 63, lot 380 (in xf+ ; SFR 8.500 + 17,5%)

Crawford 461/1 ; Sydenham 1051 ; Babelon Caecilia 50 ; 
BMCRR Africa 10 ; CRI.44 ; Albert 1406 ; Sear 1380 R
Very attractive example with wonderful toning.
vf/xf à xf-

weight 3,53gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Africa right, clad in elephant′s skin, ear of corn
before, plough below, Q•METELL on right, SCIPIO IMP on left
rev. Naked Herakles standing facing, his right hand on hip, left resting
on club draped with lion’s skin and set on rock, EPPIVS on right,
LEG•F•C on left

Metellus Scipio was born round 100 BC as Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica. His grandfather was the P. Cornelius Scipio Nasica Serapio who was consul in 111 BC; his father Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica (born 128 BC) married Licinia Crassa, daughter of the L. Licinius Crassus who was consul in 95 BC. The father died not long after his praetorship (circa 93 BC), and was survived by two sons and two daughters. The brother was adopted by their grandfather Crassus, but left little mark on history. Publius Scipio, as he was referred to in contemporary sources early in his life, was adopted in adulthood through the testament of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, consul in 80 BC and pontifex maximus. He retained his patrician status: this legal process constitutes adoption only in a loose sense; Scipio becomes a Caecilius Metellus in name while inheriting the estate of Metellus Pius, but was never his "son" while the pontifex maximus was alive. He was called "Metellus Scipio" but also sometimes just "Scipio" even after his adoption. The official form of his name as evidenced in a decree of the senate was "Q. Caecilius Q. f. Fab. Metellus Scipio."

Metellus Scipio has been listed as tribune of the plebs in 59, but his patrician status argues against his holding the office. It is possible that Scipio′s ′adoption′ into a plebeian gens may have qualified him for a tribunate on a technicality. He was possibly curule aedile in 57 BC, when he presented funeral games in honor of his adopted father′s death six years earlier. He was praetor, most likely in 55 BC, during the second joint consulship of Pompeius and Marcus Crassus. In 53 BC, he was interrex with M. Valerius Messalla. He became consul with Pompeius in 52 BC. Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio′s connection by marriage to Pompey the Great earned him the consulship in 52 BC, with the price that he target Julius Caesar through actions in the Senate. As a result, Scipio introduced legislation calling for Caesar to relinquish his command in Gaul and to disband his legions. Caesar ignored the demand and when he crossed the Rubicon in January of 49. By ignoring the ultimatum, Caesar made war inevitable. Scipio fled with Pompey.

That same year, he became proconsul of the province of Syria. In Syria and in the province of Asia, where he took up winter quarters, he used often oppressive means to gather ships, troops, and money: He put a per capita tax on slaves and children; he taxed columns, doors, grain, soldiers, weaponry, oarsmen, and machinery; if a name could be found for a thing, that was seen as sufficient for making money from it.

In 48 BC, he brought his forces from Asia to Greece, where he maneuvered against Gn. Domitius Calvinus and L. Cassius until the arrival of Pompeius. At the Battle of Pharsalus, he commanded the center. After the optimates′ defeat by Caesar, Metellus fled to Africa. With the support of his former rival-in-romance Cato, he wrested the chief command of Pompeius′s forces from the loyal Attius Varus, probably in early 47. This coin was struck during Scipio′s African campaign to pay the soldiers under his command. Quintus Metellus Pius Scipio, despite his illustrious name and the battlefield of Africa (upon which a Scipione was reputedly unbeatable), was just as doomed as the cause he fought for. Shortly after this issue was struck, he held command at the Battle of Thapsus (6 April 46 BC) "without skill or success," and was defeated along with Cato. After the defeat he tried to escape to the Iberian Peninsula to continue the fight, but was cornered by the fleet of Publius Sittius. He committed suicide by stabbing himself so he would not fall at the hands of his enemies. The Battle of Tapsus ended with the total rout of the Pompeians.

The legate Marcus Eppius was a prominent supporter of the Pompeian cause from the time of the outbreak of the civil war in 49 BC. His title ′LEF F C′ is of special interest as it occurs nowhere else on the coinage. The most likely expansion of the abbrevation is ′legatus fisci castrensis′ (′legate of the camp treasury′), which would imply that the mint was a military one. This ′series′ is described as ′crude′. The styling generating statements that..."Scipio must have had difficulty securing talented engravers as this type is typically crudely stylized..." The annoyed expression on Hercules face and his hand on hip stance seem to suggest either the engraver, the ′deity′ or the ′moneyers′ had some significant ′transgender′ issues. Eppius survived Thapsus and we shall meet him again striking for Sextus Pompeius in Spain in 45/44 BC. Eppius survived Thapsus and we shall meet him again striking for Sextus Pompeius in Spain in 45/44 BC.

Crawford 461/1 ; Sydenham 1051 ; Babelon Caecilia 50 ; 
BMCRR Africa 10 ; CRI.44 ; Albert 1406 ; Sear 1380 R
Attractive toning. Rare.
vf

weight 3,71gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Draped bust of Victory facing right, with ear-pendants and beaded necklace,
her hair tied back in a bun, wings visible behind shoulders, S • C behind
rev. Victory in galloping quadriga right, holding wreath in extended right hand,
T•CARISI in exergue

The gens Carisia was a Roman family during the latter half of the first century BC. The most famous member of the gens was Titus Carisius, who defeated the Astures in Hispania circa 25 BC; but in consequence of his cruelty and insolence, the Astures took up arms again in 22 BC. Titius Carisius was an ally of Julius Caesar. Together with Cordius Rufus and Caius Considius he formed the monetary triumvate of 46 BC.

This coin type, featuring the goddess of Victory on both obverse and reverse, is clearly in celebration of Caesar′s recent success in the African campaign; Caesar′s victory on 6 April 46 BC in the Battle of Thapsus (in modern Tunesia). The formula S C (Senatus Consulto) seem to indicate an emergency supplement to Carisius′ output of denarii necessitated by Caesar′s urgent need for extra supplies of coinage with which to pay veterans.

Sydenham 985 ; Crawford 464/5 ; BMCRR 4070 ; CRI.73 ;
Babelon Carisia 3 ; Albert 1438 ; Sear 450 R
Minor weakness of strike. Rare.
xf-

weight 3,80gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Jugate heads of Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri) right, 
wearing pilei decorated with fillet surmounted by stars,
RVFVS  III VIR behind.
rev. Venus Verticordia standing left, holding scales in right hand and 
transverse sceptre in left, Cupid hovering behind het left shoulder, 
MN CORDI (MN ligurated) on right

The gens Cordia was a plebeian family, of Tusculan origin. The obverse type of this denarius indicates his Tusculan origin as there was a special cult of Castor and Pollux at this ancient city of Latium, situated about 20 km. south-east of Rome. The reverse type of Venus Verticordia was doubtless intended to be complimentary to Julius Caesar, whose gens claimed a direct descent from Venus. Venus Verticordia (″the changer of hearts″) was an epithet of the Roman goddess Venus, alluding to the goddess′ ability to change hearts from lust to chastity. In the year 114 BC, three Vestal Virgins were condemned to death for transgressing with Roman knights the rigid law against sexual intercourse. To atone for their misdeeds, a shrine was dedicated to Venus Verticordia in the hope that she would turn the hearts of women and girls against licentiousness and towards chastity. Hence her name Verticordia, which means ′turner of hearts′. Under this title she was especially worshipped by married women, and on 1 April the Veneralia festival was celebrated in her honor. The particular representation of Venus on the reverse may be derived from a statue erected in the Temple of Venus Genetrix in the year of issue.

The final years of Caesar′s supremacy in Rome were busy ones for the Capitoline mint and full colleges of three moneyers were appointed for each of the years 46 and 45. All six moneyers struck the entire range of denominations in silver (denarius, quinarius and sestertius), though the bulk of the production was, of course, of denarii. Demand was especially high at the time of the quadruple triumph in 46 BC, following the African campaign; five thousand denarii were paid to each legionary soldier and the thousand to each centurion. The large issues of Cordius Rufus and Titus Caricius were clearly intended to meet a major part of that.

Very rare variety with CORDI instead of the usual CORDIVS

cf. NAC, auction 63, lot 381 (in xf; CHF 3.500 + 17,5%)

Crawford 463/1b ; Sydenham 976a ; cf. Albert 1428 ;
cf. BMCRR 4039 (page 523, note) ; CRI.63a ;  cf. Sear 441   RR
Attractive well-struck specimen with fine details. A beautiful piece.
xf à xf+

weight 3,63gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed head of Venus right, wearing crusiform earring
and necklace, behind; RVFVS S C
rev. Cupid riding on the back of dolphin right which he guides
with bridle, below; MN CORDIVS (MN ligatured)

The gens Cordia was a plebeian family, of Tusculan origin. The obverse type of this denarius indicates his Tusculan origin as there was a special cult of Castor and Pollux at this ancient city of Latium, situated about 20 km. south-east of Rome. The obverse type of Venus was doubtless intended to be complimentary to Julius Caesar, whose gens claimed a direct descent from Venus.

The final years of Caesar′s supremacy in Rome were busy ones for the Capitoline mint and full colleges of three moneyers were appointed for each of the years 46 and 45. All six moneyers struck the entire range of denominations in silver (denarius, quinarius and sestertius), though the bulk of the production was, of course, of denarii. Demand was especially high at the time of the quadruple triumph in 46 BC, following the African campaign; five thousand denarii were paid to each legionary soldier and the thousand to each centurion. The large issues of Cordius Rufus and Titus Caricius were clearly intended to meet a major part of that.

An interesting feature of this denarius is the appearance of the formula S C (senatus consulto) on obverse, indicating that the issue was a special one struck under senatorial authority. The reason for this is unclear, but it must be related to the exceptional demans being made on the mint at this time to provide sufficient coinage to meet the expenses of the quadruple triumph. It may have been discovered that there was a shortfall in the quantity of coinage originally authorized necessitating an emergency measure by the Conscript Fathers to provide additional supplies.

cf. NAC Auction 138, Lot 513 (in xf : SFR 950 + 20%)

Crawford 463/3; Sydenham 977 ; Albert 1430 ;
BMCRR 4040 ; CRI.65 ;  Sear 442
Struck with some minor weaknesses and minor scratch on obverse.
Attractive tone.
vf

weight 3,94gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, A behind
rev. Curule chair, C•CONSIDI above, PAETI in exergue

The letter ′A′ appearing on the obverse is presumably intended
to emphasize the identity of the deity (Apollo) depicted.

The monetary triumvirate of 46 BC was formed by Cordius Rufus, Titus Carisius and Caius Considius Paetus. From this  moneyer not much is known. He was a member from the gens Considia, a plebeian family at Rome. First appearing early in the fifth century BC, they quickly faded into obscurity. The Considii came to prominence in the last century of the Republic, and under the early Empire, but none of them rose any higher than the praetorship. The main cognomina of the Considii were Gallus, Longus, Nonianus, and Paetus. Paetus translates as "squinty" or "nearsighted." The denarii of Caius Considius Paetus were not issued in such large quantities as those of this two collaegues. He was probably the junior member of his monetary college and his coinage belongs to the latter part of the year. The reverse depicts a curule chair, alluding to the right of Caesar to seat on such a chair between the consuls in the Senate received after the Battle of Thapsus.

Are Caius Considius Longus and Caius Considius Paetus one and the same person ?
Caius Considius Longus, an ally of Pompeius the Great, was an iconic general and political during the last days of the Roman Republic. He deeply involved the great civil war between Caesar and Pompeius. He lead a powerful group of troops in Africa. Unfortunately for Caius, Caesar′s army was superior and best him. After the lost Battle at Thapsus he tried to escape for his life, but was captured at Hadrumentum and killed. It said that Caesar spared the life of Caius′s son. Theodor Mommsen accepted the view of Bartolomeo Borghesi that Caius Considius Longus and Caius Considius Paetus, was the same person; but Michael Crawford, in the most recent catalogue of republican coinage says only "the moneyer is a C. Considius Paetus, not otherwise known". The opinion of Michael Crawford seems to be the most plausible.

Crawford 465/2a ; Sydenham 991 ; BMCRR 4084 ; 
Babelon Considia 2 ; CRI.77b ; Albert 1443 ; Sear 455
Attractive toning.
vf/vf+

weight 4,01gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Head of Roma right, wearing crested helmet,
M•POBLICI•LEG• PRO around before, P•R behind
rev. Hispania standing right, shield on het back, holding two spears over shoulder
in left hand, and with right presenting palm-branch to Pompeian soldier standing
left on prow, armed with sword  CN•MAGNVS•IMP below and on right

Cnaeus Pompeius was the eldest son of Pompeius the Great, by his third wife, Mucia. Gnaeus was a loyal officer who fought along side his father. He joined his father and the corrupt Senate of Rome during the Civil War in opposition to Julius Caesar. In 48 BC, Gnaeus burned part of Caesar′s fleet and harassed the ships of Marcus Antonius during the Dyrrhachium campaign. Following the defeat of his father at the battle of Pharsalus, Cnaeus fled to North Africa where he became one of the leaders of the Pompeian cause. In 46 BC, Cnaeus was dealt another crushing blow by his defeat at the battle of Thapsus. Becoming a master at escape, Cnaeus managed to flee the battle scene once again this time sailing off to the Balearic Islands, where he was joined up with his brother – Sextus. Both the remaining sons of Pompeius the Great sought once again to raise yet another army this time in Spain. Caesar arrived in Spain during 45 BC and the conclusion was not much different from before. The resulting battle of Munda was hard fought but the victor once again was Julius Caesar. However, Cnaeus′ ability to escape came into play once again as he managed to flee the battle scene. Nonetheless, this time Gnaeus ran out of supporters and safe havens. Within a matter of a few weeks, Cnaeus Pompeius Junior was hunted down, captured and beheaded.

This was the principal type of the Pompeian war-coinage in Spain, prior to the Battle of Munda. The issue bears the names of both Cnaeus Pompeius Junior and his legatus pro praetore, Marcus Poblicius, who is otherwise unattested. The reverse type symbolizes the enthousiastic support of Further Spain for the Pompeian cause, whilst the appearance of the helmeted head of Roma on obverse is an expression of hope that the current campaign will lead to the final downfall of the dictator Julius Caesar and the liberation of the republic from his monarchical rule.

Corduba was the Pompeian headquarters in Spain and it seems reasonable to surmise that their minting establishment was located there, the security of the place being guaranteed by the presence of two legions.

Sear 1384 ; Sydenham 1035 ; Crawford 469-1a ; CRI.48 ;
Cohen 1(Pompeius Magnus) ; Albert 1425  R
Wonderful historical coin with attractive tone.
xf

weight 3,56gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Head of Roma right, wearing crested helmet,
M•POBLICI•LEG• PRO before, P•R behind
rev. Hispania standing right, shield on het back, holding two spears
over shoulder in left hand, and with right presenting palm-branch to
Pompeian soldier standing left on prow, armed with sword 
CN•MAGNVS•IMP below and on right

Cnaeus Pompeius Junior was the eldest son of Pompeius the Great, by his third wife, Mucia. Cnaeus was a loyal officer who fought along side his father. He joined his father and the corrupt Senate of Rome during the Civil War in opposition to Julius Caesar. In 48 BC, Gnaeus burned part of Caesar′s fleet and harassed the ships of Marcus Antonius during the Dyrrhachium campaign.

Following the defeat of his father at the Battle of Pharsalus, Cnaeus fled to North Africa where he became one of the leaders of the Pompeian cause. In 46 BC, Cnaeus was dealt another crushing blow by his defeat at the Battle of Thapsus. Becoming a master at escape, Cnaeus managed to flee the battle scene once again this time sailing off to the Balearic Islands, where he was joined up with his brother, Sextus. Both the remaining sons of Pompeius the Great sought once again to raise yet another army this time in Spain. Caesar arrived in Spain during 45 BC and the conclusion was not much different from before. The resulting Battle of Munda was hard fought but the victor once again was Julius Caesar. However, Cnaeus′ ability to escape came into play once again as he managed to flee the battle scene. Nonetheless, this time Cnaeus ran out of supporters and safe havens. Within a matter of a few weeks, Cnaeus Pompeius Junior was hunted down, captured and beheaded.

This was the principal type of the Pompeian war-coinage in Spain, prior to the Battle of Munda. The issue bears the names of both Cnaeus Pompeius Junior and his legatus pro praetore, Marcus Poblicius, who is otherwise unattested. The reverse type symbolizes the enthousiastic support of Further Spain for the Pompeian cause, whilst the appearance of the helmeted head of Roma on obverse is an expression of hope that the current campaign will lead to the final downfall of the dictator Julius Caesar and the liberation of the republic from his monarchical rule.

Corduba was the Pompeian headquarters in Spain and it seems reasonable to surmise that their minting establishment was located there, the security of the place being guaranteed by the presence of two legions.

Sear 1384 ; Sydenham 1035 ; Crawford 469-1a ;
CRI.48 ; Cohen 1(Pompeius Magnus) ; Albert 1425 R
vf

weight 3,72gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.

obv. Head of Roma right, wearing crested helmet,
M•POBLICI•LEG• PRO around before, P•R behind
rev. Incuse of obverse

Corduba was the Pompeian headquarters in Spain and it seems reasonable to surmise that their minting establishment was located there, the security of the place being guaranteed by the presence of two legions.

Cnaeus Pompeius was the eldest son of Pompeius Magnus (the Great), by his third wife, Mucia. Cnaeus was a loyal officer who fought along side his father. He joined his father and the corrupt Senate of Rome during the Civil War in opposition to Julius Caesar. In 48 BC, Cnaeus burned part of Caesar′s fleet and harassed the ships of Marc Antony during the Dyrrhachium campaign. Following the defeat of his father at the battle of Pharsalus, Gnaeus fled to North Africa where he became one of the leaders of the Pompeian cause. In 46 BC, Cnaeus was dealt another crushing blow by his defeat at the battle of Thapsus. Becoming a master at escape, Cnaeus managed to flee the battle scene once again this time sailing off to the Balearic Islands, where he was joined up with his brother – Sextus. Both the remaining sons of Pompeius Magnus sought once again to raise yet another army this time in Spain. Caesar arrived in Spain during 45 BC and the conclusion was not much different from before. The resulting battle of Munda was hard fought but the victor once again was Julius Caesar. However, Cnaeus′ ability to escape came into play once again as he managed to flee the battle scene. Nonetheless, this time Gnaeus ran out of supporters and safe havens. Within a matter of a few weeks, Cnaeus Pompeius Junior was hunted down, captured and beheaded.

cf. Sear 1384 ; cf. Sydenham 1035 ; cf. Crawford 469-1a ; cf. CRI.48 ;
cf. Cohen 1(Pompeius Magnus) ; cf. Albert 1425 RR
Wonderful and rare historical coin. Virtually as struck.
As brockage very rare.
unc-

weight 3,36gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
Struck in a mint moving with Sextus Pompey in Sicily in 44-43 or 42-38

obv. Head of Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus right; dolphin below head,
trident in front, NEPTVNI behind head
rev. Galley sailing right; in left field, star, Q•NASIDIVS below

Sextus Pompeius, the younger son of Pompeius the Great, inherited his father′s vast influence and personal following. He first established himself in Spain in 44 BC as the successful leader of the anti-Caesarian forces. Following the death of Caesar, the Senate, believing itself freed from the domination of the Caesarians, bestowed on Sextus the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae (Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts). Four months later, however, the Senate was forced by Octavianus and the second triumvirate to rescind this title and Sextus was proscribed. Upon receiving word of the Senate′s abrogation of his commission and receiving reports of the revenge the Caesarians were exacting on the leading figures in Rome, Sextus set sail from Massalia in Gaul and headed for Sicily. Here he established a powerful base from which he could blockade Italy and provide a safe haven for those fleeing the proscriptions. Alarmed at these developements, Octavianus sent a naval squadron under the command of Salvidienus Rufus to handle the situation, but Salvidienus was defeated off the coast of Rhegium. Following this battle, Sextus took the title of imperator iterum. Sextus continued the republican struggle against the second triumvirate until his death in 36 BC.

With his father and brother having been executed after battles with Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompeius found himself at the helm of the Pompeian cause. In addition to his own military talents and some support in the senate, Sextus called upon another resource for survival, his family legacy. Perhaps the best evidence for his use of family ties to legitimize his own position can be found on coinage, for he was the first Roman to use dynastic imagery in that manner. This issue of denarii is one example. Sextus Pompey′s coinage bearing the name of his naval commander Quintus Nasidius is among the most attractive of the Imperatorial era. It shows the right-facing head of the deceased Pompey Magnus and a galley.

The portrait of Pompeius Magnus is engraved with a near-perfect balance of realism and idealism, resulting in a powerful image that must have rallied support among the remaining Pompeian sympathizers. The inscription NEPTVNI, which seemingly abbreviates Neptuni filius (″the son of Neptune″), likely refers to the deceased Pompeius, for Sextus apparently did not claim to be the son of the sea-god until after his second major naval victory over Octavianus in 38 BC (at which Appian says Nasidius served as one of Sextus′ admirals). The occasion for these coinages is not clear. Grueber and Sydenham both suggested they were struck in Sicily, whereas Crawford considers them to have been struck at a mint moving with Sextus Pompeius while en route to Sicily. Sear proposes they were struck at Massalia during Sextus′ visitation. Sydenham and Grueber assigned them to 38-36 BC, Crawford and Sear place them in 44-43 BC, and they often are assigned elsewhere to 42-38 BC. Thus, there are three distinct ideas on dating which, collectively, cover the length of his independent career. One aspect to note is that the coinage does not bear the title ′Commander-in-chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts′ that he received from the senate in April of 43 BC. The naval commander Nasidius had long been loyal to the Pompeians. In 49 BC he attempted to break the siege of Massalia by Julius Caesar′s legate Decimus Brutus and afterward he held a command in the Pompeian fleet in North Africa. He then joined the forces that Pompey Junior had assembled in Spain after the Battle of Thapsus. As these coins clearly show, Nasidius sailed with Sextus Pompey afterward, though he eventually joined Marcus Antonius as an admiral in his eastern fleet. Nasidius took part in the disaster at Actium, after which nothing further is heard of his life or career.

Crawford 483/2 ; Cohen 20 ; Babelon Pompeia 28 and Nasidia 1 ; 
Sydenham 1350 ; Woytek Arma et Nummi p. 558. ; RBW 1698 ; 
BMC 21 ; CRI.235 ; Albert 1479 ; Sear 1390 RR
(cf. NAC, auction 92, lot 401 in xf-; SFR 15.000 + 20%)
Off-centre strike. Highly interesting and very rare historical coin.
vf-

weight 3,67gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bare head of Marcus Antonius right, bearded,
lituus behind, M ANTON IMP before
rev. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right, capis behind,
CAESAR DIC before

Following his embarrassing defeat at Mutina (21 April 43 BC) Antonius effected a rapid withdrawal across the Alps to southern Gaul where, despite the weakness of his position, he succeeded in persuading the governor of Gallia Narbonenesis and Nearer Spain, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, to join forces with him (29 May). With the strength of their combined armies behind him Antonius could again feel secure and his position was further improved in the late summer when his cause es espoused by Lucius Munatius Plancus, the proconsul of Gallia Comata. In the meantime Octavianus had made himself master of Rome by marching on the capital after the Senate, believing itself freed from the Caesarian threat, had foolishly tried to snub him. Antonius now saw the wisdom of entering into negotiations with the young Caesar and messages passed back and forth between Gaul and Rome. The end result was a meeting in early November between Antonius, Octavianus and Lepidus at Bononia (modern Bologna) in Cisalpine Gaul. This resulted in the formation of the Second Triumvirate, the constitutionality of which was established by the Lex Titia passed on 27 November 43 BC. With the arrival of the Triumvirs in Rome the full horror of the proscriptions was unleashed as the Caesarean leaders set about trying to raise the necessary funds for the coming military confrontation with Brutus and Cassius.

The conference between the three men at Bononia (modern Bologna), in early November 43 BC, set the seal on the formation of the Second Triumvirate, an event commemorated by this issue, struck in a mint within the security of his military camp. It clearly belongs to the period immediately following the agreement at Bononia as the form of the triumviral titulature (Rei Publicae Constantuandae which means the Restoration of the Government by this new triumvirate) is now added to the text M ANTON IMP, as used for his earlier denarii of this type, minted in April 43 BC.

By combining his portrait with that of Caesar, he wanted to emphasize that he is the rightful heir to the dictator, thereby asserting his leadership of the Caesarian party at a time when he was beginning to feel threatened by Octavianus. Doubtless the propaganda was aimed at his soldiers, the loyalty of whom might be suspect now that Caesar′s adopted son had become a factor in the political power game. A distinctive feature of this coinage is the portrait of Antonius which has a strangely elongated form, giving it something of the appearance of a caricature. Presumably, Antonius′ retinue at this time lacked the services of a die-engraver competent in the art of portraiture.

Crawford 488/1 ; Sydenham 1165 ; Albert 1549 ; CRI.118 ;
BMCRR Gaul 53 ; Babelon Antonia 4 ; Newman 43.1 ;
Cohen 2 ; Sear 1464  R
Minor bankermarks and some flatness of strike.
Very rare coin with good portraits.
vf

weight 3,05gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Head of Jupiter Capitolinus right, CAPITOLINVS behind
rev. Hexastyle temple (Capitoline temple), roof decorated with biga
at each side and quadriga at apex; on either side of apex, armed figure;
within pediment, uncertain figure; between central four columns,
hanging decorations, PETILLIVS below

The gens Petillia or Petilia was a plebeian family at ancient Rome. The nomen Petillius is almost certainly derived from the cognomen Petilus, meaning "slender". Members of this gens first appear in history at the beginning of the second century BC, and the first to obtain the consulship was Quintus Petillius Spurinus in 176 BC. Petellius Capitolinus was appointed quattuorvir monetalis in 43 BC. It is the second version of the temple, completed in 69 BC, which is depicted on  the denarii of Petillius Capitolinus issued in the closing months of 43 BC. It would appear that this moneyer′s family had some hereditary connection with the temple and the college of Capitolini, though Crawford considers that his coin types were selected merely to provide punning allusions to his cognomen. The scholiast of Horatius relates that there was a man of this name who was accused of having stolen the crown from the statue of Jupiter, but because he was a friend of Octavianus the charges were dismissed. It seems likely that this fortunate individual and the moneyer were one and the same person, in which case he certainly possessed some official role in the custodianship of the Capitoline Temple as Horatius′ tale also states that he was in charge of the sanctuary at the time of the theft.

The obverse refers to the name of this moneyer, Capitolinus. The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, also known as the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus was the most important temple in Ancient Rome, located on the Capitoline Hill. It had a cathedral-like position in the official religion of Rome, and was surrounded by the Area Capitolina, a precinct where certain assemblies met, and numerous shrines, altars, statues and victory trophies were displayed. The first building was the oldest large temple in Rome, and dates back to the first Etruscan King of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus (circa 616-578 BC). So it can be considered as essentially Etruscan architecture. It was traditionally dedicated in 509 BC, but in 83 BC it was destroyed by fire, and a replacement in Greek style completed in 69 BC. Its size may have been about 53 m × 62 m. with columns of 21 meters high. In imperial times the temple was destroyed several times, but every time rebuilt. In the 5th century AD it was destroyed by the Vandals, and only small fragments survived.

Crawford 487/1 ; Sydenham 1149 ; Albert 1543 ;
CRI.173 ; BMC 4217 ; Sear 1543  R
(cf. NAC, auction 125, lot 458 in about xf: SFR 9.500 + 21%)
Small bankersmark on the obverse.
Some minor bumbs, but still very attractive coin with appealing tone.
good vf

weight 3,83gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right, within dotted circle
rev. Cornucopiae on globe, between rudder (on left) and caduceus
and apex (on right) above the legend; MVSSIDIVS LONGVS

In 42 BC the monetary college (quattuorvirate) was formed by Publius Clodius, Lucius Livineius Regulus, Caius Vibius Varus and Lucius Mussidius Longus. The last mentioned was responsible for the issue of this denarius. Like his three colleagues in the monetary college of 42 BC, Lucius Mussidius Longus is unknown in history. The obverse type of this denarius in honour of the deceased dictator has no inscription or subsidiary symbols accompanying the portrait, though there is no attempt here to idealize or deify the effigy. The themes of the highly symbolic reverse type are Caesar′s mastery of both land and sea (the cornucopiae on globe and the rudder), his possession of the office of pontifex maximus, represented by the apex, and the felicitas which he had brought to the Roman people, signified by the caduceus.

The portrait of Caesar as a coin type was a powerful tool of propaganda for Marcus Antonius and Octavianus in the period leading up to the decisive military confrontation with the republican leaders, Caesars′ assassins Brutus and Cassius, at Philippi, October 42 BC.

♦ magnificent portrait of Julius Caesar ♦

cf. NAC 120, Lot 639 (in xf- : SFR 9.680,- incl. commission)

Cohen 29 ; Crawford 494/39 ; Sydenham 1096a ; 
BMCRR 4238 ; CRI 116 ; Albert 1599 ;
Babelon, Julia 58 and Mussidia 8 ; Sear 1426 R
Light off-centre strike, but wonderful specimen
with excellent portrait of Julius Caesar. Rare.
xf

weight 8,53gr. ; gold Ø 19mm.

obv. Roman consul accompanied by two lictors (bodyguards)
carrying fasces, ΚΟΣΩΝ in exergue
rev. Eagle with spread wings standing left on sceptre,
clutching wreath in talons

These gold staters were minted by order of the Romans for the payment of Dacian mercenaries in Brutus′ battle against Octavianus and Markus Antonius. They are made of Roman gold. These staters mention the name of a local king in Dacia, Koson. He was probably King Kotiso or Kotison that we know from history, mentioned by Horatius and Suetonius, and was an ally of Brutus. In addition, we also see the monogram of Brutus on this gold stater. After Brutus′ death in 42 BC, the minting of these staters continued, but without Brutus′ monogram and made of Dacian gold. These staters are also of coarser style and with somewhat rougher surfaces.

The obverse is inspired by the silver denarii issued by Marcus Junius Brutus in 54 BC (see Junia denarius; Cr.433/1, Sydenham 906). The reverse is inspired by the silver denarii issued by Pomponius Rufus in 73 BC (see Pomponia denarius; Cr.398/1, Sydenham 793)

BMC Thrace p. 208, 2 ; RPC I, 1701B ; Iliescu 2 ; SNG.Copenhagen 123 ;
M. Bahrfeldt, “Über die Goldmünzen des Dakerkönigs Κοσων,” Berliner
Münzblätter 1912, pp. 725–729 ;  HGC 3, 2049var. ; Weber 2782var. ;
McClean 4547var. ; Mionnet S. II, p. 276, no.445var. ; Friedberg 124
Very attractive lustrous coin. 
xf/unc

weight 3,79gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bare head of Pompeius the Great right, between jug and lituus,
surrounded by the legend; MAG PIVS IMP ITER
rev. Neptune standking left, holding aplustre and resting right foot on prow,
between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus, each bearing
one of his parents on shoulders  PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C

Sextus Pompeius, the younger son of Pompeius the Great, inherited his father′s vast influence and personal following. He first established himself in Spain in 44 BC as the successful leader of the anti-Caesarian forces. Following the death of Caesar, the Senate, believing itself freed from the domination of the Caesarians, bestowed on Sextus the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae (Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts). Four months later, however, the Senate was forced by Octavian and the second triumvirate to rescind this title and Sextus was proscribed. Upon receiving word of the Senate′s abrogation of his commission and receiving reports of the revenge the Caesarians were exacting on the leading figures in Rome, Sextus set sail from Massalia in Gaul and headed for Sicily. Here he established a powerful base from which he could blockade Italy and provide a safe haven for those fleeing the proscriptions. Alarmed at these developements, Octavian sent a naval squadron under the command of Salvidienus Rufus to handle the situation, but Salvidienus was defeated off the coast of Rhegium. Following this battle, Sextus took the title of imperator iterum. Sextus continued the republican struggle against the second triumvirate until his death in 36 BC

Cohen 17 ; Crawford 511-3a ; BMC 93 ; CRI.334 ; Albert 1558 R
Struck slightly off-centre and some flatness and damage at the edge,
but very good portrait
vf

weight 3,74gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bare head of Pompeius the Great right, between jug
and lituus, surrounded by the legend; MAG PIVS IMP ITER
rev. Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and resting right foot
on prow, between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus,
each bearing one of his parents on shoulders, PRAEF above,
CLAS ET ORAE / MARIT EX S C in exergue

Sextus Pompeius, the younger son of Pompeius the Great, inherited his father′s vast influence and personal following. He first established himself in Spain in 44 BC as the successful leader of the anti-Caesarian forces. Following the death of Caesar, the Senate, believing itself freed from the domination of the Caesarians, bestowed on Sextus the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae (Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts). Four months later, however, the Senate was forced by Octavian and the second triumvirate to rescind this title and Sextus was proscribed. Upon receiving word of the Senate′s abrogation of his commission and receiving reports of the revenge the Caesarians were exacting on the leading figures in Rome, Sextus set sail from Massalia in Gaul and headed for Sicily. Here he established a powerful base from which he could blockade Italy and provide a safe haven for those fleeing the proscriptions. Alarmed at these developements, Octavian sent a naval squadron under the command of Salvidienus Rufus to handle the situation, but Salvidienus was defeated off the coast of Rhegium. Following this battle, Sextus took the title of imperator iterum. Sextus continued the republican struggle against the second triumvirate until his death in 36 BC.

This denarius was struck at Sicily, perhaps at Catania or Messana. The reverse of this coin depicts the Sicilian story of the Catanaean brothers; The brothers Anapias and Amphinomus rescued their paretns during an eruption of Mount Etna, bearing them to safety on their shoulders.

♦ wonderful portrait of Pompeius the Great ♦

Cohen 17 ; Crawford 511-3a ; BMC 93 ;
CRI.334 ; Albert 1558 ; Sear 1392 R
Some minor flatness near the edge, otherwise very nice coin
with good portrait and attractive patina. Rare.
vf

weight 23,21gr. ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Janus, both faces resembling
Pompeius Magnus, MGN above
rev. Prow of galley right, PIVS above, IMP below

Sextus Pompeius, the younger son of Pompeius the Great, inherited his father′s vast influence and personal following. He first established himself in Spain in 44 BC as the successful leader of the anti-Caesarian forces. Following the death of Caesar, the Senate, believing itself freed from the domination of the Caesarians, bestowed on Sextus the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae (Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts). Four months later, however, the Senate was forced by Octavian and the second triumvirate to rescind this title and Sextus was proscribed. Upon receiving word of the Senate′s abrogation of his commission and receiving reports of the revenge the Caesarians were exacting on the leading figures in Rome, Sextus set sail from Massalia in Gaul and headed for Sicily. Here he established a powerful base from which he could blockade Italy and provide a safe haven for those fleeing the proscriptions. Alarmed at these developements, Octavian sent a naval squadron under the command of Salvidienus Rufus to handle the situation, but Salvidienus was defeated off the coast of Rhegium. Following this battle, Sextus took the title of imperator iterum. Sextus continued the republican struggle against the second triumvirate until his death in 36 BC.

Although the reign of Augustus as first emperor of Rome is often seen as a period of innovation in iconography and ideology, several Romans in the late Republican period also pushed the boundaries of traditional representation. This role is often obscured in literary sources, which were written to favour the emperor Augustus. Coins, however, survive in abundance from this period and can provide an insight into what other Romans, the opponents of Augustus, were thinking and doing. Coinage reveals that Sextus Pompeius, the son of Pompeius the Great, was a great innovator in terms of ideology and iconography. Although Augustus portrayed himself as the pious successor of Julius Caesar after the latter′s assassination in 44 BC, Sextus Pompeius had, in fact, already been developing this ideology after the death of his father in 48 BC. The way Sextus used the memory of his father went beyond the normal boundaries of the Roman Republic, and indeed, was far more radical than the ideology and imagery eventually used by Augustus. In this sense, Sextus Pompeius was one of the great innovators of his time.

This coin, a bronze As struck by Sextus Pompeius somewhere in Sicily, is a perfect illustration of this. Roman bronze coins normally had the head of Janus on the obverse, and the prow of a ship on the reverse (in fact, the Roman version of our game ′heads or tails′ was called ′heads or prow′). On this coin the features of Janus are changed so that they resemble Pompeius the Great, an allusion that is reinforced by the legend MGN or Magnus (′Great′) above. Neither Julius Caesar nor Augustus were ever portrayed in such a blatantly divine fashion. In fact, Sextus also portrayed his father as Neptune. The reverse of the coin displays the traditional prow alongside the legend IMP or imperator, as well as the legend PIVS or pious. Sextus potrayed himself as the pious son of his assassinated father, and so when Augustus and Antonius did the same after the death of Caesar they were actually playing catch up. Coinage thus reveals that Sextus Pompeius had an important role in setting the ideological agenda that would eventually shape the ideology of Marcus Antonius, Octavianus and the Roman principate.

♦ magnificent janiform portrait of Pompey the Great ♦

Crawford 479/1 ; Cohen, Pompeius Magnus, 16 ; Sydenham 1044 ;
Woytek Arma et Nummi page 558 ; BMCR Spain 95-103 ;
Babelon Pompeia 20 ; CRI.336 ; Albert 1477 ; Sear 1394 R
Very attractive example with dark brown patina.
Hard to find this nice. Rare.
vf/xf

weight 3,75gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind
rev. Diana Lucifera standing right, holding two long torches,
P•CLODIVS on right, M•F• on left

Like the other members of the monetary quattuorvirate of 42 BC, we have no certain knowledge of the identity of Publius Clodius, son of Marcus. His personal coin types admit of no obvious explanation other than the general belief in the imminence of a new age suggested by the celestial types of Sun en Moon and their related deities Apollo and Diana. Their cults may have been associated with political leaders or Clodius′ family.

Clodius′ and his father Marcus′ biography is difficult to ascertain as this coin type bears no cognomen and two possible candidates of the same name and age lived in the late 40s.  Borghesi, followed by Babelon, attributed this denarius to a Publius Clodius Turrinus. The only information about his life comes from Seneca the Elder, whose son (the famous Seneca the Younger) seems to have been a great friend of Turrinus′ son.  In his Controversiae (x. 14-16), Seneca tells that Turrinus′ father (Marcus), a supporter of Caesar in Spain (presumably a colonist like him), was nonetheless ruined by the Civil War, and that his son Publius recovered his fortune thanks to his oratory skills. Therefore, by becoming moneyer, Turrinus might have received a compensation for his involvement in favour of Caesar, possibly from Octavianus, and also to ensure the fidelity of a prominent Spanish family, as Spain was an important province.

The assumption that this Publius Clodius was the one mentioned by Seneca was however not supported by Crawford. There is another possibility, that Clodius was the son of Publius Clodius Pulcher, the famous Tribune and arch-enemy of Cicero, even though it is written ″Marcus filius″ on the reverse.  Indeed, Pulcher′s widow Fulvia had become Mark Antonius′ third wife circa 46 BC; Pulcher′s son could therefore have cunningly claimed a filiation with Antonius since he was married to his mother. Antonius could also have adopted Pulcher′s son, because he seems to have taken great care of him; he even wrote to Cicero to ensure that the orator would not attack him as he did with his father (Ad Atticum, xiv. 13A).  He then became Praetor and Augur (CIL 6.1282).

The latter theory is the most likely, because Pulcher minted his coins together with Antony for the beginning of the Triumvirate (cf. other RRC 494 types).  Moreover, at this time, the name of Clodius essentially referred to the late Tribune, whereas a provincial would have included his cognomen on his coins to avoid the confusion, or at least a reference to his hometown or province, as did many other moneyers from Italy or the provinces.

Crawford 494/23 ; Sydenham 1117 ; BMCRR 4290 ;
CRI.184 ; Albert 1583 ; Sear 492
very attractive specimen of wonderful style
xf-

weight 4,06gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind
rev. Diana Lucifera standing right, holding two long torches,
P•CLODIVS on right, M•F• on  left

Like the other members of the monetary quattuorvirate of 42 BC, we have no certain knowledge of the identity of Publius Clodius, son of Marcus. His personal coin types admit of no obvious explanation other than the general belief in the imminence of a new age suggested by the celestial types of Sun en Moon and their related deities Apollo and Diana. Their cults may have been associated with political leaders or Clodius′ family.

Clodius′ and his father Marcus′ biography is difficult to ascertain as this coin type bears no cognomen and two possible candidates of the same name and age lived in the late 40s.  Borghesi, followed by Babelon, attributed this denarius to a Publius Clodius Turrinus. The only information about his life comes from Seneca the Elder, whose son (the famous Seneca the Younger) seems to have been a great friend of Turrinus′ son.  In his Controversiae (x. 14-16), Seneca tells that Turrinus′ father (Marcus), a supporter of Caesar in Spain (presumably a colonist like him), was nonetheless ruined by the Civil War, and that his son Publius recovered his fortune thanks to his oratory skills. Therefore, by becoming moneyer, Turrinus might have received a compensation for his involvement in favour of Caesar, possibly from Octavianus, and also to ensure the fidelity of a prominent Spanish family, as Spain was an important province.

The assumption that this Publius Clodius was the one mentioned by Seneca was however not supported by Crawford. There is another possibility, that Clodius was the son of Publius Clodius Pulcher, the famous Tribune and arch-enemy of Cicero, even though it is written ″Marcus filius″ on the reverse.  Indeed, Pulcher′s widow Fulvia had become Mark Antonius′ third wife circa 46 BC; Pulcher′s son could therefore have cunningly claimed a filiation with Antonius since he was married to his mother. Antonius could also have adopted Pulcher′s son, because he seems to have taken great care of him; he even wrote to Cicero to ensure that the orator would not attack him as he did with his father (Ad Atticum, xiv. 13A).  He then became Praetor and Augur (CIL 6.1282).

The latter theory is the most likely, because Pulcher minted his coins together with Antony for the beginning of the Triumvirate (cf. other RRC 494 types).  Moreover, at this time, the name of Clodius essentially referred to the late Tribune, whereas a provincial would have included his cognomen on his coins to avoid the confusion, or at least a reference to his hometown or province, as did many other moneyers from Italy or the provinces.

Crawford 494/23 ; Sydenham 1117 ; BMCRR 4290 ;
CRI.184 ; Albert 1583 ; Sear 492
Some minor flaws. Attractive tone.
vf

weight 3,93gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bust of Minerva, with crested Corinthian helmet, right, wearing aegis.
rev. Hercules standing facing, resting his right hand on club, set on ground,
and holding lion′s skin over left arm, C•VIBIVS behind, VARVS in front

This coin was minted by the moneyer Caius Vibius Varus. Ancient sources about his personal history are silent. Like his colleagues, this moneyer’s aurei and denarii exhibit considerable variety, with two types in gold and three in silver. This attractive type honours Minerva and Hercules, alluding to the forthcoming struggle with the republican forces led by Brutus and Cassius. Minerva, the goddess of war, and the legendary hero Hercules are invoked as powerful allies of the Triumsvirs (Octavian, Marc Antony & Marcus Aemilius Lepidus) in their quest to avenge the murder of Caesar.

The gens Vibia was a plebeian family at ancient Rome. The nomen Vibius is a patronymic surname, derived from the praenomen Vibius, which must have belonged to an ancestor of the gens. The name is generally regarded as an Oscan praenomen, and it is found extensively in Campania, but it was also used in Latium, and appears at Rome from a very early period, being used by the patrician Sestii, and occasionally by members of several prominent plebeian families. The Vibian gens itself was probably Oscan. The cognomina of the Vibii under the Republic were Pansa and Varus, each of which occurs on coins. Both surnames derive from the physical characteristics of the persons to whom they originally applied; Pansa translates as "splay-footed", while Varus is "knock-kneed". Although individuals named Vibius appear in history during the time of the Second Punic War, no members of this gens are found at Rome until the final century of the Republic. The first of the Vibii to obtain the consulship was Caius Vibius Pansa in 43 BC and Caius Vibius Varus in 42 BC.

cf. NAC, auction 83, lot 477 (in xf; SFR 5.000 + 19%)

Crawford 494/38 ; Sydenham 1140 ; BMC 4303 ;
CRI.194 ; Albert 1598 ; Sear 498 R
Minor weakness, otherwise wonderful coin of fine style. Rare.
xf-

weight 3,54gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Veiled and diademed head of Concordia right,
CONDORDIA behind, star below chin
rev. Shrine of Venus Cloacina: Circular platform surmounted by two statues
of the goddess, each resting right hand on cippus, the platform inscribed
CLOACIN and ornamented with trellis-pattern balustrade, flight of steps
and portico on left; L • MVSSIDIVS • LONGVS around above.

Issued by moneyer Mussidius Longus during the Second Triumvirate (Octavian, Lepidus, and Mark Antony). The scene on the reverse is quite obscure; Venus Cloacina, the patroness of the city sewers. This shrine stood on the north side of the Forum above the Cloaca Maxima, one of Rome’s oldest sewers. The platform of this shrine still exists in the Forum. The type may interpreted as conveying the concept of purification following the treacherous murder of the dictator Julius Caesar by men who had professed to be his friends and the cooperationbetween Marc Antony and Octavian.

Sydenham 1092 ; Crawford 494/42b ; Babelon 6 ;
BMC 4244 ; CRI.188a ; Albert 1602 ; Sear 494 R
Some weak parts.
vf-

weight 3,42gr.; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Head of Libertas right, wearing hair rolled back
and collected into a knot behind; LEIBERTAS before
rev. Lyre between quiver to left and laurel branch tied
with fillet to right; CAEPIO•BRVTVS PRO•COS around

The obverse does not show us his original name, but his adopted name. In 77 BC Pompeius Magnus had Brutus′ father murdered. As a result of his father′s proscription, Brutus could not start a political career. Around 59 BC, Brutus lifted this restriction by being posthumously adopted by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio; he was therefore known officially as Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, though he hardly used his legal name. He is often referred to simply as Brutus.

The reverse draws its inspiration from the contemporary silver hemidrachms of the Lycian League and the issue is clearly connected with Brutus′ military activities in this region of southwestern Asia Minor subsequent to his meeting with Cassius at Smyrna. The city of Xanthos was a centre of culture and commerce for the Lycians. In 42 BC Brutus came to Lycia in the Roman Civil Wars, to obtain funds for his campaign in that year before the Battle of Philippi. The Lycian League refused to contribute; Brutus besieged Xanthos and the city was once again destroyed and only 150 Xanthian men survived the carnage. But Plutarchus describes the carnage as self-inflicted, with Brutus and his Romans trying but unable to save the city from flames. In his words, 150 ″did not escape having their lives saved.″ Plutarchus explains such suicidal behavior by the city′s similar response to Persian conquest generations earlier. It was rebuilt under Markus Antonius.

Libertas was the principal theme of the Republicans′ coinage and the head of the allegorical persofinication of the freedom of the individual citizen appears as the obverse type, together with an identifying inscription. Brutus′ nomenclature is now expanded and includes the proconsular title. The object to the left of the lyre on reverse is usually described as a plectrum, but Troxell points out that it is almost certainly a quiver of the common cylindrical type with conical lid which often has a central projection. It is of common occurrence on the coinage of the Lycian League, as is the filleted laurel-branch which appears to the right of the lyre. All three objects are, of course, symbolic of Apollo whose head monopolizes the obverses of the Lycian League coinage.

Crawford 501/1 ; Cohen 5 ; Babelon Junia 34 ;
Sydenham 1287 ; BMCRR East 38 ; CRI 199 R
Minor flan crack. Highly interesting historical coin. Rare.
vf/xf

weight 3,80gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.

obv. Bare head of Marcus Antonius right, surrounded by the legend;
M•ANT•IMP•AVG III VIR•R•P•C•M NERVA PROQ•P
rev. Bare head of Lucius Antonius right, surrounded by the legend;
L•ANTONIVS COS

Towards the close of 42 BC Marcus Antonius proceeded to Asia where he was to begin his task of reorganizing affairs in the East. Initially he fixed his residence at Ephesos, the seat of the proconsular governor, and it was probably from the Ephesian mint that Marcus Antonius issued a handsome series of gold aurei and silver denarii celebrating both the Triumvirate and the consulship, in 41 BC, of Marcus′ younger brother Lucius.

Lucius Antonius was a son of Marcus Antonius Creticus, son of the rhetorician Marcus Antonius Orator executed by Gaius Marius′ supporters in 86 BC, and Julia, a cousin of Julius Caesar. Together with his older brothers Marcus Antonius and Gaius Antonius, he spent his early years roaming through Rome in bad company. Plutarchus refers to the untamed life of the youths and their friends, frequenting gambling houses and drinking too much. After the murder of Caesar, he supported his brother Marcus. He proposed an agrarian law in favor of the people and Caesar′s veterans and took part in the operations at Mutina (43 BC). In 41 BC, he was consul with Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus as his senior partner. In this year, he assisted Mark Antony′s wife, Fulvia, who was anxious to recall her husband from Cleopatra′s court, in the raising of an eight legion army to fight against Octavian′s unpopular policies. Later, observing the bitter feelings that had been evoked by the distribution of land among the veterans of Caesar, Antonius and Fulvia changed their attitude and stood forward as the defenders of those who had suffered from its operation. Antonius marched on Rome, drove out Lepidus, and promised the people that the triumvirate would be abolished. On the approach of Octavianus, he retired to Perusia in Etruria, where he was besieged by three armies (Perusine War), and compelled to surrender in the winter of 41 BC. The city was destroyed but his life was spared, and he was sent by Octavianus to Spain as governor. Nothing is known of the circumstances or date of his death. Cicero, in his Philippics, actuated in great measure by personal animosity, gives a highly unfavorable view of his character.

Marcus Cocceius Nerva was the moneyer (monetarius) of this coin. His family were of Umbrian origin and were supporters of Marcus Antonius, providing him with a number of generals and diplomats. He was Proquaestor pro praetore (officer who, after having served as praetor in Rome, was sent to govern a province with praetorial authority), which is shown on this coin, under Antonius in 41 BC, and it is assumed that he was with Lucius Antonius during the Perusine War. He was one of the key military officers in Antonius′s army who refused to fight Octavianus and brought about the reconciliation between the two men in 40 BC. Around 38 BC, Marcus Antonius appointed Nerva as the proconsular governor of Asia, during which time he was acclaimed as imperator for some military action at Lagina. For his services to Marcus Antonius, Nerva was elected consul in 36 BC together with Lucius Gellius Publicola. In 31 BC he was elected to the Quindecimviri sacris faciundis, and was raised to the Patriciate after 29 BC. He is the great-grandfather of the more famous Emperor Nerva who ruled the Roman Empire from 96 to 98 AD. His son, also named Marcus Cocceius Nerva, was part of the entourage of emperor Tiberius.

cf. Künker Auktion 341, Osnabrück 1-2 October 2025, Lot 5707
(in xf  € 8.500 + 25% commission)

Crawford 517/5a ; Antonia 48 and Cocceia 2 ; Sydenham 1185 ;
CRI 246 ; Cohen 2 ; Newman 41.5 ; Albert 1641 ; Sear 1509 RR
Attractive toning. Very rare.
vf

weight 3,61gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.
Struck during Octavian′s military campaigns in southern Gaul and northern Italy.

obv. Young bare-headed portrait of Octavian right  C CAESAR III VIR R P C
rev. Rider statue of Octavian on horseback left, POPVL IVSSV below

After Octavian had defeated Marc Antony in the Battle of Mutina on April 21, 43 BC, there was a ″populi iussu″  (″decision by the Roman People″) that a equestrian statue of Octavian of gilded bronze had to be manufactured for placement on the Forum Romanum in Rome. Much later this project was realized. On this coin we see already a preview of this statue….

Sear 1540 ; Cohen 227 ; Crawford 518-2 ; CRI.299 ; Albert 1646 R
Rare historical coin, with an attractive portrait of a young Octavian.
vf

weight 3,60gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Bare head of Ahenobarbus ? (or ancestor), bearded, right, AHENOBAR
rev. Prow of galley right, on which stands military trophy with two spears and shield,
around the text; CN•DOMITIVS•IMP

Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus accompanied his father at Corfinium and Pharsalus (54 BC) on the side of Pompeius Magnus. After his pardon by Julius Caesar, he retired to Rome in 46 BC. After Caesar′s assassination, Ahenobarbus supported Brutus and Cassius, and in 43 BC was condemned under the terms of the Lex Pedia for complicity in the assassination. As admiral Ahenobarbus achieved considerable naval success against the Second Triumvirate in the Ionian theater, where this denarius was certainly minted. Possibly it was minted to commemorate his naval victory over Domitius Calvinus in 42 BC, when he was saluted as ′imperator′ by his troops. Ahenobarbus was leading a life of piracy at this time and was a scourge of the Adriatic and Ionian ports. The precise location of the mint, or mints, involved in the production of this coinage is impossible to ascertain. It is uncertain whether the portrait is of himself or one of his ancestors.

Finally, through the mediation of Caius Asinius Pollio, he reconciled with Markus Antonius, who thereupon made him governor of Bithynia. He participated in Antonius′ campaign against the Parthians, and was consul in 32 BC. When war broke out between Antonius and Octavianus, Ahenobarbus initially supported Antonius, but, disgusted by Antonius′ relationship with Kleopatra, sided with Octavianus shortly before Actium. His only child, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, was married to Antonia Maior, the daughter of Markus Antonius and Octavia. Their son, Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, married Agrippina Minor, the sister of the emperor Caligula, and was the father of the emperor Nero. Very interesting and rare historical coin.

cf. NAC 94, lot 26 (in nearly xf; SFR 12.000 + 20%)

Crawford 519/2 ; Sydenham 1177 ; BMCRR East 94 ;
Babelon Domitia 21 ; CRI.339 ; Albert 1648 ; Sear 1456 R
very attractive specimen for the type, with a good portrait
vf

weight 1,77gr. ; silver Ø 12mm.

obv. Veiled and diademed head of Concordia right,
III VIR behind, R P C in front
rev. Clasped right hands holding caduceus, surrounded
by the legend; M ANTON C CAESAR IMP

Cohen 67; BMCRR East 128 ; Albert 1674 ;
Sear 1575 ; Sydenham 1195 ; Babelon (Antonia) 42 ;
Crawford 529/4b ; CRI.304 R
Some minor scratches. Rare.
f/vg

weight 3,72gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bare head of Octavianus right
IMP•CAESAR DIVI•F. III.VIR•ITER• R• P•C
rev. Emblems of the augurate and pontificate; Simpulum, aspergillum (sprenkler),
capis (jug) and lituus COS•ITER•ET• TER•DESIG

This coin has been struck in a moving mint in south or central Italy, when Octavianus was active in this area. It has been struck immediately preceding and following the signing of the Treaty of Tarentum and the renewal of the Triumvate in the summer of 37 BC. In this pact the Triumvirs, Octavianus, Marcus Antonius and Lepidus agreed the renewal of the legal five-year time period of the Triumvirate. In 40 they already agreed in the Treaty of Brundisium that Octavianus got control of the West, Marcus Antonius of the East and Lepidus of Hispania and Africa.

Cohen 91 ; Crawford 538/1 ; Sydenham 1334 ; CRI.312 ;
Julia 140 ; BMC 116 ; Albert 1692 ; Sear 1544 R
vf/vf+

weight 3,69gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bare head of Markus Antonius right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTON AVG IMP III COS•DES•III•III V•R•P•C, all winthin
circle of dots.
rev. ANTONINVS / AVG•IMP•III within circle of dots

In May 32 BC Marcus Antonius arrived in Athens from Samos. Therefor it is very likely that this denarius was minted short after, in the summer of 32 BC. Marcus Junius Silanus, who held office in Athens as quaestor pro consule, was probably responsible for this issue. In the triumviral rivalry his support initially went to Antonius under whom he served in Greece during the military build-up prior to the Actian campaign. Just prior to Actium he went over to Octavianus in company with the historian Quintus Dellius, author of an important account of Antonius′ Parthian War.

— Wonderful portrait coin of Marcus Antonius —

Cohen 2 ; Sydenham 1209 ; Crawford 542/2 ;
BMCRR East 177 ; Albert 1700 ; CRI.347 ;
Babelon Antonia 96 ; Newman 33.2 R
Small flan crack and minor weakness. Rare.
xf-

weight 3,73gr. ; silver Ø 16mm.

obv. Galley right, with rowers, a mast with fluttering banners 
placed at the prow, ANT AVG above, III•VIR•R•P•C
rev. Legionary eagle (aquila) between two standards (signa) , 
LEG - II across lower field either side of eagles′s shaft

The last major coinage issued by the Triumvir Marcus Antonius, prior to his downfall at Actium on 2 september 31 BC, was the celebrated ′legionary′ series. Antonius knew that his army would both have vital roles to play if he was to prevail over Octavianus in the struggle for mastery of the Roman world. Accordingly, the two branches of the armed forces receive equal attention on the coinage which was produced specifically for military pay during the long months of preparation prior to the final conflict. The obverse shows a war galley, the revers a legionary aquila between standards, which was to become so familiar on the coinage of imperial Rome, had been utilized only twice before in the period of the civil wars. Twenty-three legions are honoured. Many of these units would have been raised by Antonius in the East as his supply of Italian recruits had been virtually cut off by Octavianus. The style and fabric of the coins is uniform throughout suggesting that the entire series was issued from a single centrally-located mint. As production probably probably did not commence before the latter part of 32 BC, by which time Antonius was already in Greece, it seems logical to seek a mint in this region rather than farther afield. It would be tempting to see the ′legionary′ series as the successor of Silanus′ coinage at Athens, but the fabric is so different that another mint must be sought. A likely choice would be Antonius′ headquarters at Patrae, near the mouth of the Gulf of Corinth, where he was to spend the winter of 32/31 BC making final plans for the deployment of troops and naval forces. Actium itself seems an improbable location because of the potential vulnerability of the site so close to the enemy encampment. These denarii remained in circulation for a long time, and specimens are occasionally found in hoard of the Severan period, more than twohundred years later. This was because the ′legionary′ denarii had early acquired a reputation for having been struck in debased metal and for that reason had not disappeared from circulation during the latter part of Nero′s reign (after 64 AD), when that emperor reduced the weight, but probably not the fineness, of the denomination.

It probably concerns here Legio II Augusta. After the defeat of the Republicans, Legio II swore allegiance to Octavianus and with the same remained until the Battle of Actium of 31 BC, after which it seems to have been dissolved for some years. At the beginning of Augustus′ rule, in 25 BC, the new Legio II Augusta was stationed in Hispania, to fight in the Cantabrian Wars, which definitively established Roman power in Hispania, and later camped in Hispania Tarraconensis. With the annihilation of Legio XVII, XVIII and XIX in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (AD 9), Legio II Augusta moved to Germania, possibly in the area of Moguntiacum (Mainz). After 17, it was at Argentoratum (modern Strasbourg) and after 43 in Glevum (Gloucester).

Cohen 27 ; Sydenham 1216 ; Crawford 544/14 ;
BMC 190 ; Babelon (Antonia) 105 ; Albert 1715 ; CRI.349
small bankersmarks
vf