CNG 109, Lot: 642. Estimate $750. Sold for $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.68 g, 3h). Augustus, with Divus Julius type. Uncertain mint in Spain or Gaul. Struck AD 68. CΛESΛR ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right / DIVVS IVLIV[S] across field, comet of eight rays. RIC I 92; CSB –; AM A10; RSC 98a; BMCRE 49-50; BN –. VF, toned, a few minor marks under tone. Very rare.

From the WRG Collection, purchased from William B. Porter, December 1987.

Part of an extensive issue of denarii struck by the various factions contending for power after the death of Nero, Galba struck pieces before he declared as Emperor. The rebel Vindex in Gaul issued others. Forces in Germany and Africa may have been responsible for smaller outputs. The “Augustus” types, harkening back to the glorious early days of the empire, originated in Spain and Gaul. Although the great number of types indicates a sizable issue, all types are rare. Presumably most were withdrawn at the conclusion of the conflict.