I picked both of these up over the last month or so and I guess it is my first completed set, albeit a very small one. I don't really know too much about this moneyer other than he minted two coin types in 81 BC both of which relate to famous ancestors. The first coin refers to the sacrifice the Romans are said to have made to Diana prior to the battle of Lake Regillus where the expelled last king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, attempted to retake the throne. The Romans, who were led by dictator Aulus Postumius Albus, defeated Superbus and the Latin League. Roman Republic AR serrate denarius 3.91 g, 20 mm A. Postumius A.f. Sp.n. Albinus Rome mint, 81 BC Draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; bucranium above / Priest and bull with lighted altar between them. Crawford 372/1; Sydenham 745; RSC Postumia 7. The second coin refers to the moneyers ancestor Lucius Postumius Albinus who was made praetor in 180 BC and got the province of Hispania Ulterior. While Praetor he conquered the Vaccaei and Lusitani and was awarded a triumph on his return to Rome in 178 BC. He was consul in 173 BC with Marcus Popillius Laenas. Roman Republic AR Serrate Denarius 3.8 g, 20 mm A. Postumius A.f. Sp.n. Albinus Veiled head of Hispania right, HISPAN behind / Togate figure standing left, raising hand; legionary eagle to left; fasces with axe to right. Crawford 372/2; Sydenham 746; RSC Postumia 8. I'd say that's some pretty cool ancestors to have. I think I got the write ups correct, if not feel free to correct me and please share anything you think relevant.
Both super nice coins, congrats! I love the reverses, esp. on #2 which is so charming. (The details on the face!) Particularly nice serrations on #2 also. And both with great mytho-historical references!
Very nice snags! The reverse of the second one is really excellent. I also wish my Crawford 372/1 was as well-centered as yours.
Wonderful duo @Ajax !!! I have an example of the second but continually lose out whenever I chase one of the first.
On the Hispania piece, I see an M or N graffito on the obverse? I do like those types of coins. Shows just one other aspect of humanity. Someone left their mark over 2,000 years ago and we can see it now.
