M. Volteius M.f. 75 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.90 g, 6h). Rome mint. VF.

Electronic Auction 551
Lot: 319. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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M. Volteius M.f. 75 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.90 g, 6h). Rome mint. Laureate, helmeted, and draped bust of Attis right; crescent to left / Cybele driving biga of lions right; Γ above. Crawford 385/4; Sydenham 777; Volteia 4; RBW 1417 var. (controls). Gorgeous iridescent toning, small edge scuff, minor marks. VF. Rare controls, only one with these controls in CoinArchives.

The bust on the obverse has been variously identified as Attis, Liber, or Bellona. The reverse depiction of Cyble/Magna Mater in a chariot pulled by lions argues for the identification with Attis, in Greek mythology the eunuch consort of the great mother goddess. Cybele’s cult image was brought to Rome from Pessinus in Phrygia circa 204 BC, in response to the Sibylline Oracle’s prediction that Rome could only defeat Carthage by importing and adopting her statue and cult. Games in her honor were celebrated in 193 and became an annual event with the completion of her temple by Marcus Junius Brutus.

Closing Date and Time: 29 November 2023 at 11:46:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.