Vacuna Re-Examined

Sale: CNG 76, Lot: 1226. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2007.  Sold For $120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. 57 BC. AR Denarius (4.04 g, 5h). Rome mint. Helmeted and draped bust right, with attributes of Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana, and Victory; cornucopiae below chin / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt with wings spread, head left. Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; Plaetoria 4. EF, lightly toned, small portion of excess metal on edge, obverse struck slightly off center.

From Collection C.G. Ex Coin Galleries (14 July 1993), lot 199.

The traditional identification of the female bust as Vacuna is impossible, writes Crawford, citing the work of J.P. Morel, MEFR 1962, 25-29. An identification as Isis, according to the work of A. Alföldi, SM 1954, 30-31, is perhaps correct. In short, the identification of the obverse type is uncertain, as the female has attributes of Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana, and Victory.