Cn. Domitius Calvinus. AR Denarius, Osca 39 BC. OSCA Head of Hercules, right / DOM·COS· ITER·IMP Simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex. 17.98mm, 3.98g. Sydenham 1358. Burgos 1509. Sear Imperators 342. RBW 1819. Crawford 532/1. Toned, minor area of weakness, Extremely Fine and Rare!
Cn. Domitius Calvinus was appointed governor of Spain by Octavian after that province was ceded by Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great. The province was in a state of chaos after years of civil war and the rule by Sextus, who governed as little more than a brigand. The stern Calvinus, formerly magister equitum under Caesar, pacified the province, putting down a revolt by the Ceretani, although not before subjecting a legionary detachment to the ancient punishment of decimation (executing one out of ten men) for cowardice in the face of the enemy. The minting of these denarii, probably at Osca itself, marks the restoration of Roman order in Spain and the renewed flow of Spanish silver to the Roman treasury.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hPMcxj/
Note: This beautiful coin comes with a certificate of authenticity from David R Sear. |