The Republicans. Cn. Domitius L.f. Ahenobarbus. 41-40 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.97 g, 5h). Uncertain mint in the region of the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 633. Estimated: $ 3 000

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 4 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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The Republicans. Cn. Domitius L.f. Ahenobarbus. 41-40 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.97 g, 5h). Uncertain mint in the region of the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. Bare head of Ahenobarbus right, wearing short beard; AHENOBAR upward to right / Prow right surmounted by a military trophy; CN • DOMITIVS • IMP around from lower left. Crawford 519/2; CRI 339; Sydenham 1177; Domitia 21; BMCRR East 94-7; Kestner 3801-2; RBW 1803. Some die wear and peripheral roughness on reverse, some luster remains. EF.

Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus commanded a fleet against the Triumvirs, achieving a minor victory in September of 42 BC. But that very day, the Triumvirs won the battle of Philippi, and Ahenobarbus found himself fighting for a lost cause. He became a piratical rogue, terrorizing the ports of the Adriatic like his western counterpart, Sextus Pompey, until he signed the Pact of Brundisium in 40 BC, which reconciled him to Mark Antony. His great-grandson would become the Emperor Nero (AD 54-68). The rare coinage of Ahenobarbus belongs to his stint as a “pirate king” 42-40 BC. This silver denarius bears an appropriately nautical reverse celebrating his victories at sea. The balding, bearded portrait on the obverse remains enigmatic; it may represent Gnaeus himself, or one of his ancestors.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Two – Lot 335-673 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 10 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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