Q. Antonius Balbus. 83-82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18mm, 3.94 g, 2h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Jupiter right; S • C downward to left / Victory, holding wreath in extended right hand, palm frond and reins in left, driving galloping quadriga right; N below; Q • (ANT)O • B(AL)B/PR in exergue. Crawford 364/1d; Sydenham 742b; Antonia 1; BMCRR Rome 2761; Kestner 3157-60 var. (control); RBW 1374 var. (same). Light iridescent golden toning. In NGC encapsulation 8228934-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex Ried Redlich Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions VII (4 May 1989), lot 222.
Q. Antonius Balbus was a member of the Marian party, and in 82 BC was appointed praetor of Sardinia. Before he left for his territory, the Senate ordered him to mint this issue to pay the army preparing to resist Sulla’s return. The reverse reflects expectation of Balbus for victory and consequent peace. Sulla was victorius, however; L. Philippus, a partisan of Sulla, removed Balbus from his position and had him slain.
