Cassius Defeats the Rhodian Fleet

294, Lot: 586. Estimate $1500. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Summer 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.41 g, 6h). Military mint, probably at Sardis; M. Servilius, legate. Laureate head of Libertas right / Crab holding aplustre in its claws; open diadem and rose below. Crawford 505/3; CRI 226; Sydenham 1313; RSC 10. Fine, toned, roughness. Very rare.

From the Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection.

This type commemorates Cassius’ victory over the Rhodian fleet, with the rose serving as the symbol of Rhodes (the city was an ally of Caesar) and the crab symbolizing Cos, whose waters served as the setting for the naval battle.