Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 1454. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Q. Antonius Balbus. 83-82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (3.88 gm). Laureate head of Jupiter right / Victory, holding branch and palm, in quadriga right; no letter below. Crawford 364/1a; Sydenham 742a; Antonia 1c. Toned EF. ($300)

Q. Antonius Balbus was a member of the Marian party, and in 82 BC was appointed praetor in Sardinia. Before leaving for Sardinia, this issue was struck by order of the Senate which was dominated by members of the Marian party to pay the army preparing to resist the return of Sulla. The reverse imagery reflects the expectations of Q. Antonius Balbus. Sulla was victorius, and in 82 BC, Q. Antonius Balbus was removed from from his seat as praetor by L. Philippus and slain.