The Pompeians. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and P. Licinius Crassus Junianus. 47- Spring 46 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.74 g, 3h). Utica mint. Near VF.

Electronic Auction 551
Lot: 349. Estimated: $ 400

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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The Pompeians. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and P. Licinius Crassus Junianus. 47- Spring 46 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.74 g, 3h). Utica mint. Head of Jupiter right; below, eagle's head left above scepter / Cornucopia, supporting scales, set on curule chair, itself set on ground line; grain ear and head of Cetus flanking chair. Crawford 460/2; CRI 41; Sydenham 1048; Caecilia 49; RBW 1602. Toned, banker’s marks, scrape on obverse, trace deposits and minor marks. Near VF. Rare.

This rare type is full of symbolism and propaganda. The obverse depicts an archaic head of Jupiter, with his eagle and scepter below, similar to the coinage of Pompey the Great (CRI 8). The cornucopia, scales, and grain on the reverse pays homage to the fertility of Africa, the curule chair refers to Scipio’s consulship in 52 BC in which he was a colleague of Pompey, and the head of Cetus implies the Pompeian cause would triumph over Rome.

Closing Date and Time: 29 November 2023 at 11:56:00 ET.

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