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The Republicans. Labienus. Early 40 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.73 g, 5h). Uncertain mint in Syria or southeastern Asia Minor. Bare head right; Q • LABIENVS PARTHICVS • IMP around / Horse standing right on ground line, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; Hersh 5 (dies B/5 – (this coin[rev. photo improperly trimmed]); CRI 341; Sydenham 1357; RSC 2; BMCRR East 132; Kestner –; RBW 1809. Lovely old toning, hairline flan crack. In NGC encapsulation 2117239-001, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. One of the great rarities in the Roman Imperatorial series. Attractive in hand.
Ex Strauss Collection.
When Charles Hersh published his study of “The Coinage of Quintus Labienus Parthicus” in Schweizerische numismatische Rundschau, Band 59 (1980) this coin was the only specimen known with this reverse die.
Quintus Labienus’ father, a loyal Republican despite his distinguished service to Caesar in Gaul, died at the battle of Munda in 45 BC. His son joined the Republican cause and was sent to Persia to negotiate a pact of assistance with Orodes I, remaining at the Parthian court after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Orodes, concerned about the growing Roman presence in Asia and learning of growing dissatisfaction in the provinces, sent his son Pacorus and a large and heavily armored cavalry force with Labienus on an invasion of Syria in 40 BC. Labienus quickly subdued Syria and Cilicia and sent forces into Lycia and Caria before Ventidius Bassus arrived from Greece with eleven legions. Labienus and his allies were driven back to Cilicia, where the Parthian cavalry was routed at Mt. Taurus and Labienus was killed. Labienus, the last of the Republicans, died a traitor to Rome, and all but a handful of his coinage was melted down after his defeat.
The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session Three – Roman Republican & Imperatorial Coinage through Byzantine Coinage will be held Wednesday morning, 12 January 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.
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