Lot 1169
L. Mussidius Longus. Silver Denarius (3.95 g), 42 BC. Rome. Radiate and draped bust of Sol facing slightly right. Rev. [L MV]SSIDIVS LONGVS, circular ornamented platform with trellis-pattern balustrade inscribed CLOACIN, surmounted by two statues of Venus Cloacina, each resting hand on cippus; on left, flight of steps and portico. (Crawford 494/43a; HCRI 189; Sydenham 1094; Mussidia 7). Old iridescent cabinet toning. Choice very fine. Estimate $750UP
This denarius celebrates a shrine to one of the more unlikely patron deities of the Roman pantheon: Venus Cloacina - the Venus who protected the sewer system (the Cloaca Maxima) of Rome. The Cloaca Maxima was said to have been built under the Etruscan kings, Tarquinius Priscus and Tarquinius Superbus, as a means of draining the swampland around the city's seven hills. In order to protect the drainage system the Sabine king Titus Tatius was said to have erected a shrine to honor Cloacina, the spirit of the sewer who came to be identified with Venus in the Republican period. By some bizarre twist, the composite goddess Venus Cloacina was ultimately recognized as having two spheres of authority: the protection of the sewers, and the protection of the marital bed.
Apparently the Roman Republican mind spent more time in the gutter than is usually admitted.
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| Realized $915 |
