The Foundation of the Second Triumvirate

438, Lot: 434. Estimate $300. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Triumvirs. Lepidus and Octavian. November-December 43 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.83 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy. Bare head of Lepidus right / Bare head of Octavian right. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140; Sydenham 1323; RSC 2a. Fine, toned, bankers’ marks, a couple scratches, small edge cut. An affordable example of this sought after type.

This issue commemorates the foundation of the Second Triumvirate, and was probably struck from the proceeds of the proscriptions in preparation for the campaign against Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Lepidus is shown with the title Pontifex Maximus, an office which he received after the assassination of Julius Caesar and held until his death in 12 BC.