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Auction: 20120 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 1 - Part I - Ancient Coins featuring the Michael Kelly and Nomos Brasiliana Collections
Lot: 129A

Roman Republic, L. Calpurnius Piso Caesonius & Q. Servilius Caepio (100 BC), AR Denarius, 3.83g, 8h, Rome, Saturn right, harpa behind, PISO | CAEPIO | Q. around, rev. Quaestors seated left, conversing, flanked by grain ears, AD FRV EMV // EX S C in exergue (RSC Calpurnia 5; Sydenham 603; RRC 330/1), light tone, almost very fine

This denarius recounts how L. Calpurnius Piso Caesonius and Q. Servilius Caepio were sent as Quaestors 'ad fru[mentum] emu[ndun] ex s[enatus] c[onsulto]' ~ "to purchase corn, in obedience to a decree of the Senate~". A similar reverse is also be found on an issue of Critonius and Fannius, both aediles of the people. The bearded head on the obverse is undoubtedly Saturn; not only with the appearance of the 'harpa' (scythe), but in the words of Plutarch, Saturn was regarded as the deity presiding over Agriculture, and productions of the earth.



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Estimate

Starting price
£30