128, Lot: 265. Estimate $200. Sold for $280. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Mn. Cordius Rufus. Circa 46 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.91 g, 12h). Diademed head of Venus right / Cupid on dolphin right. Crawford 463/3; CRI 65; Sydenham 977; Cordia 3. Nice VF, toned.

From the Harry Strickhausen Collection.

Sear (in CRI) maintains that this reverse type likely refers to the recent victories of Caesar at Thapsus. Also, he notes the interesting inclusion of SC (senatus consulto) 1n the obverse legend, indicating that this issue was a special one struck under senatorial authority. While the exact reason for this is uncertain, Sear believes that it is related to the extreme demands being placed upon the mint to supply sufficient coinage to meet the expenses of Caesar's quadruple triumph.