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Sale 62
The Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction
| Roman Imperatorial Coinage |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 3171 |
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Julius Caesar, d. 44 BC. Gold Aureus (8.07 g) minted at Rome by moneyer L. Plancus, 45 BC. Diademed bust right of Victory; wing at shoulder. Reverse: Jug and moneyer's name. Cr. 475/1a; Syd. 1019a. NGC graded XF*; Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5. Our grade is About EF.
The generic grade of NGC's "XF" corresponds to that of U.S. coinage. The coin grader at NGC presumably adopted "XF" to retain a consistency within their organization. "Extremely Fine," or "EF" connotes an ancient coin with little or no wear, with minimal problems or weakness.
There is an alignment of obverse type between this aureus and the equally rare orichalcum dupondii (Cr. 476). Both are probably commemorating Caesar's victory in Spain, although Michael Crawford in his groundbreaking reference Roman Republican Coinage (1974) suggests that both emissions were minted early in 45 BC, before Caesar's triumphal arrival in Rome.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
The Durant Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$10,350 |
Lot 3172 |
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L. Cestius and C. Norbanus, moneyers, 43 BC. Gold Aureus (8.13 g) minted at Rome. Draped bust right of Sibyl. Reverse: Cybele on throne being drawn left in biga of lions; she holds patera and rests left arm on tympanum. Cr. 491/2; Syd. 1155; BMC 4193. A superb example of this rare coin. NGC graded Ch XF*; Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5.
One of the intellectual benefits of collecting Roman Republican and Imperatorial coins is the importance of interpretation. At the time of their issuance, these numismatic testimonials were, in the main, symbolic. This choice of symbolic types, often commemorating ancestors and times several hundred years prior to their mintage, can lead to many diverse theories. Most numismatists now agree on the obverse type being Sibyl, mainly because of a strong connection with the gens Julia and Julius Caesar in particular. Sibyl was a priestess with the knowlede of the future; Cybele was Mater Deum, Mother of the Gods. She could have been selected for the reverse to show the hope of victory for Caesar.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
The Durant Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$13,800 |
Lot 3173 |
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L. Cestius and C. Norbanus, moneyers, 43 BC. Gold Aureus (8.13 g) minted at Rome. Draped bust right of the personification of Africa, wearing elephant headdress. Reverse: Ornamented curule chair on which rests Corinthian helmet. Cr. 491/1a; Syd. 1153. Rare. NGC graded AU; Strike 4/5; Surface 2/5. Our grade is fully lustrous fields with a natural planchet disturbance on the obverse below Africa's chin; Nearly Mint State.
Roman Republican aurei are mainly confined to the time around Caesar's era. Except for the few issues that Caesar and his moneyers struck, all are very rare. In many instances minting procedures were hurried and often accomplished in less than peaceful circumstances.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
The Durant Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$11,500 |
Lot 3174 |
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Brutus, d. 42 BC. AR Denarius (3.60 g) minted 43-42 BC at a mint moving with Brutus. Laureate head right of Apollo. Reverse: Military trophy. Cr. 506/2; Syd. 1296; RSC 4. Numerous test cuts on obverse. Rare and desirable type. About Very Fine.
The look of the obverse field probably provoked all the ancient test cuts on Brutus' cheek in order to ascertain the quality of silver. Is it a fourrée (copper center within a silver envelope) or a valuable, valid mint product? Every coin has a story.
Estimated Value $175 - 250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$288 |
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