ROMAN REPUBLIC. P. Crepusius, C. Limetanus and L. Censorinus. Rome, 82 BC. AR Denarius, 3.90g (17mm, 11h). Bust of Venus r., draped and wearing diadem and veil; behind, L.CENSORIN downwards. Border of dots / Venus in biga r., holding reins in r. hand and goad and reins in l. hand; above, control mark (III); below, P. LIMEA; in exergue, P. CREPVSI
Pedigree: Ex Ibergold, 1 April 1986, lot 233
Price: $1,750
The year this coin was struck was a turbulent time in Rome. In 82 BC Sulla defeated the Samnites at the Battle of the Colline Gate and subsequently marched into Rome as dictator. Sulla also was working closely with the young Gnaeus Pompeius (later known as Pompey the Great) who was ordered to stamp out rebels in Sicily and Africa. Julius Caesar served as Sulla’s subordinate in the East.
The moneyer of this coin is unknown aside from this coin. The lovely imagery of the Venus on the obverse is in stark contrast to the bloodshed and conflict that were occurring all around. Crawford notes that while Sulla also had Venus featured on his coinage, there is likely no connection with these moneyers.
References: Crawford 360/1b; Sydenham 736a
Grade: Sharp strike with some cabinet toning. Slightly off-center obverse. EF
rr1069