The Venatio

Triton XXII, Lot: 921. Estimate $2000. Sold for $3250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Livineius Regulus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.25 g, 12h). Rome mint. Bare head right / Venatio scene: in foreground, lion charging right toward a bestiarius who spears it; in background on left, a wounded bear sits right; on right, another bestiarius, holding sword and shield, defends himself against a tiger charging left; L • REGVLVS in exergue. Crawford 494/30; CRI 179; Sydenham 1112; Livineia 12; BMCRR Rome 4271-2; RBW 1735. EF, deep cabinet toning. Rare.

This popular type depicts a venatio, a contest between bestiarii and various animals. Such activities served as the morning entertainment during a day at the games, with the “main event” – the gladiatorial contests – taking place in the afternoon.