A few weeks ago this very poorly preserved denarius caught my eye. It was offered at auction with a very low starting price from a dealer I have done business with prior. Anyway, it was the design and then the history of the coin that captured me (along with the final price being under $14). The coin is hard to image so this is the best I can get with my setup. THE POMPEIANS L. CORNELIUS LENTULUS and C. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: Facing head of Medusa in center of triskeles, ear of corn between each leg REVERSE: Jupiter standing right, holding thunderbolt and eagle; LENT MAR to left, COS to right. Military mint in the East, moving with Pompey, Summer of 49 BC 3.08g, 18-16mm Crawford 445/1b; Sear 4; Sydenham 1029; Cornelia 64a "Struck for the two consuls of 49 BC both of whom supported the party of Pompey & were violently opposed to Caesar, on whose approach to Rome they fled to Sicily where this coin was struck. The triskelis is taken from the early coins of Syracuse & the Jupiter reverse is claimed to be a copy of the famous statue of Zeus Eleutherios, by Myron, which was set up by the Syracusans as a memorial to their freedom in 460 BC." Seaby - Bk.1 p.40
Wow ... that's an amzingly cool coin, brother ... and $14 (seriously? ... you rock) => man, I am totally psyched for the Movie (Pompeii) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6TRwfxDICM
That's definitely a unique coin for the Roman Republican era. Interesting that it's sort of Greek styled designs, but definitely Roman. Excellent price as well.
=> it comes-out on DVD tomorrow (I'm not too hard on movies, so hopefully I'll click-off my critique-mode and merely enjoy the ride!!) Oh, and again => man, that's a super looking coin, brother (at any price!!)
that's a very interesting coin, historically and artistically..I'd be all over that coin for that price for sure. the corn looks like wheat to me...and it can't be what us folks over here call corn (maise...new world plant). I know I've had this discussion somewhere before, but does the term generically refer to grains or something like that?
Thanks everyone for your comments. This is one of those coins you don't see for sale very often in any condition. I would have loved to had one in better condition, but I guess I will just have to keep my eyes open for one (of course the price has to be right).
Awesome find Bing. 14 bucks for an RR denarius in any condition seems incredibly hard to find. You have an eye for the hidden treasures!
