Pharos at Messana

Triton XIX, Lot: 408. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 40-39 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.78 g, 5h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. The Pharos of Messana, surmounted by statue of Neptune standing right, holding trident in right hand and rudder in left, left foot on prow; in foreground, galley left; aquila on prow; scepter, trident, and grappling-iron in stern; MAG PIV[S IMP] ITER around / The monster Scylla left, her torso of dogs and fishes, wielding a rudder as a club with both hands; [PRÆF • CLA]S • ET • ORÆ • (MAR)IT • EX • S • C around. Crawford 511/4a; CRI 335; Sydenham 1348; RSC 2; RBW 1786. Near EF, toned, struck on a compact flan.