Preparations for the Sertorian War

Triton XXII, Lot: 830. Estimate $1000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

C. Valerius Flaccus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.71 g, 4h). Massalia mint. Winged and draped bust of Victory right; tripod to upper left / Aquila between two signa inscribed H (hastati) and P (principes), respectively; C • (VAL) • FLA upward to left, IMPERA[T] upward to right, EX • S • C across lower field. Crawford 365/1a; Sydenham 747a; Valeria 12; BMCRR Gaul 11; RBW –. Choice EF, lovely cabinet toning. Rare.

From the Alan J. Harlan Collection. Ex Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 666.

This type was struck in Massalia by C. Valerius Flaccus, Sulla’s ally and proconsul in Gaul. Flaccus had led a number of successful campaigns in Gaul and Spain, and this issue was produced to help finance his upcoming campaigns against Sertorius in Spain. The reverse type used on this coin was the first time the legionary eagle (aquila) and standards appeared as the main design element, and would influence a number of later issues, including those of Cn. Nerius and the famous legionary series of Mark Antony.