Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 812. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CNAEUS POMPEIUS MAGNUS (Pompey the Great). 49-48 BC. AR Denarius (4.51 gm). Uncertain mint in Greece. Diademed head of Numa Pompilius right / Prow right. Crawford 446/1; CRI 7; Sydenham 1032; RSC 4. Good VF, iridescent toning around devices. ($1000)

This coin was struck by Cn. Calpurnius Piso, who served as proquaestor to the Pompeian party in Spain during the war between Caesar and Pompey. The head of Numa Pompilius records the claim of the Calpurnia gens to be descended from Calpus, the son of Numa, while the prow on the reverse refers to the naval victories of Pompey over the pirates in 67 BC.