CNG 102, Lot: 805. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Q. Pompeius Rufus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.21 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right / Bare head of Sulla right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4. Good VF, toned, some light cleaning scratches and marks under tone. Rare.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 458; Sternberg [VI] (25 November 1976), lot 755.

This coin issue bears the only portrait of the dictator Sulla. The moneyer was the grandson of Sulla and his home would likely have had portraits of their famous ancestor. Thus, although posthumously struck, the portrait on these coins is probably an accurate representation.