Lot 1159
L. Torquatus. Silver Denarius (3.88 g), 58 BC. Rome. SIBVLLA below, head of Sibyl right, wreathed with ivy; all within dotted border. Rev. L TORQVAT III VIR, tripod surmounted by an amphora between two stars; all within torque. (Crawford 411/1b; Sydenham 835; Manlia 12). Scarce. Attractive cabinet tone. Extremely fine. Estimate $2,500UP
The obverse and reverse types of this coin represent the mythical Sibyl of Cumae and her gift of prophecy. Prophecies attributed to her were written down in the so-called Sibylline books and stored in the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter so that they could be consulted in times of emergency. The torque that surrounds the reverse type refers back to the famous ancestor of L. Torquatus, T. Manlius, who received the family agnomen (nickname) Torquatus for his bravery in 361 BC. According to Roman tradition, a Gaul of great size and strength challenged the Roman army to settle the differences between their people in a duel of champions. Manlius, though small in stature, accepted the challenge and managed to kill the giant Gaul and claimed the golden torque around his neck as a trophy. Ever since that day he and his descendants were known as Torquati (literally "those with torques").
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