Proconsul L. Volusius Saturninus

Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 1549. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BYZACIUM, Hadrumentum. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Dupondius (14.36 g, 10h). L. Volusius Saturninus, proconsul. Struck 7-6 BC. Radiate head of Sol right; trident to left / Bare head of Saturninus left. RPC 778.4 (this coin); MAA 88; SNG Copenhagen 63. Fine, earthen black-green patina. Rare.

From the Patrick Villemur Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXVII.4 (April 1979), no. 3763. .

L. Volusius Saturninus was suffect consul in 12 BC. He was the first member of his senatorial family to amass great wealth, and his service to Rome brought them great prestige. Both his son, also named L. Volusius Saturninus, and grandson, Quintus Volusius Saturninus, became consuls, in AD 3 and 56, respectively. His niece, Lollia Paulina, was the third wife of the emperor Gaius (Caligula).