M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. Rome, 67 BC. AR Denarius, 3.75g (17mm, 6h). CESTIANVS behind, S C before, winged bust of Isis (?), wearing crested helmet, bow and quiver at shoulder; below chin, cornucopiae / [M PL]AE-TORIVS M F AED CVR, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head left.
Price: $675
The obverse of this coin shows a winged bust of a deity. The image has often been attributed to the Sabine goddess Vacuna, the goddess that people turned to for missing or absent family and friends. Michael Crawford postulates that the bust on the obverse of this coin could actually be Isis and the reverse a Ptolemaic eagle. While the connection between Egypt and this moneyer is uncertain, Rome was omnipresent in the land of the Egyptians. At the time this coin was struck in 67 BC, Egypt had become really just a Roman protectorate since it was terribly weakened by constant infighting. The reverse does indeed resemble the Ptolemaic eagle and even shows the eagle standing on a thunderbolt. It therefore would not be surprising that the Egyptian influence should effect the Republican coinage.
References: Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; Plaetoria 4
Grade: Tighter flan but nice strike and good metal. Choice VF
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