The Temple of Venus at Eryx

318, Lot: 552. Estimate $200. Sold for $900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

C. Considius Nonianus. 56 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.88 g, 3h). Rome mint. Laureate and draped bust of Venus Erycina right, wearing stephane / Temple on summit of rocky mountain surrounded by wall with towers on each side and gate in center; ERVC above gate. Crawford 424/1; Sydenham 887; Considia 1a. VF, iridescent toning.

Describing Mt. Eryx and its temple complex, the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis writes: On its summit, which is flat, stands the temple of Venus Erycina, which is indisputably the first in wealth and general magnificence of all the Sicilian holy places. The city extends along the hill under the actual summit, the ascent to it being very long and steep on all sides. World History, 1.55