My second NYINC purchase came from the Stack's auction. I noticed this coin several weeks before the auction because of it's extreme rarity and slightly compromised condition, and I thought it might be a good budget example of the type. When a friend told me the morning after the auction that this coin went unsold, I rushed to Sack's lot pickup room to view it. I found the coin much nicer in hand than the auction photo (nicer than my photo also) and I quickly bought it for the opening bid price. Upon returning home, a bit of research in my library soon uncovered a string of important sales and a remarkable pedigree. Rome, The Imperators. C. Cassius and M. Servilius, Summer 42 BCE. AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm). Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius (likely Sardis). Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP; laureate head of Libertas, facing right. Reverse: M·SERVILIVS - LEG; aplustre with branches terminating in flowers. References: Crawford 505/2; HCRI 225; Sydenham 1312 (R7); BMCRR (East) 83; Cassia 21; Servilia 42. Provenance: Stack's (17 Jan 2020) Lot 20084; Edward J. Waddell e-Sale (1990s) Lot 42; R. Ratto FPL IX (1933) Lot 1057; Valerio Traverso Collection [M. Baranowsky (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1270]; R. Ratto FPL (1927) Lot 625; Johann Horsky Collection [A. Hess (30 Apr 1917) Lot 2600]. This rare type comprised part of the final series of coins struck in the name of Cassius, lead conspirator against Julius Caesar, probably at Sardis in Summer, 42 BCE. It celebrates Cassius’ victory over the fleet of Rhodes in the waters off Kos. The aplustre, an ornamental stern of a Roman galley, is symbolic of Cassius’ naval victory, and the floriate branches (roses) may refer to Rhodes. Shortly after his victory over the Rhodians, Cassius met-up with his co-conspirator Brutus in Sardis, where this coin was likely struck. Within just a few months of producing this coin, Cassius’ troops were defeated by Antony at Philippi and he committed suicide on his own birthday, 3 October 42 BCE. Marcus Servilius struck this final coinage on behalf of Cassius. Servilius was tribune in 44 BCE and was respected by Cicero. After Caesar’s assassination, he served in the east as a Legate under both Cassius and Brutus, and he struck coins for both men. He was likely related to Brutus, whose mother’s name was Servilia. Legates were staff members of military commanders, on whose recommendation they were appointed by the Senate. Legates often served as deputies for their commanders, but practically exercised no independent authority. For example, a Legate had no independent authority to strike coinage, and did so based solely on the imperium of the commander for whom he served – thus we see the names of both the Legate and his commander on this coin.
Wow @Carausius that is a superb pickup. I have on several occasions found excellent coins as unsold lots. I really like browsing the unsold lots looking for gems. I love that your coin has such great provenance. I really like having more of the history behind the coins. Congrats on adding this very special coin.
Thanks, @Fugio1 and @Orfew . I'm not surprised this coin didn't sell in the Stack's auction. Although it was very well-priced at opening, it was "raw" with some compromises and surrounded by high-condition and slabbed material. I was surprised by the pedigree that I found within 24-hours of getting the coin home. I wonder if there is more to find...
That was a great buy - as I recall, it was even nicer in-hand and finding the old provenance makes it even better. ATB, Aidan.
Thanks Aiden. It really is nicer in hand. Photo lighting seems to highlight the spots of corrosion and uneavenness that aren't so prominent when viewing in ordinary light.
auctions are strange animals. Sometimes, a common coin sells for 5X estimate, then a really rare one in high quality remains unsold. I tend to go over after auction unsold lists very carefully, bought over 100 unsolds in past ten years.
Great buy! It will find a nice home in your collection. I have found many excellent coins in Stacks after auction sales. John
Congratulations on the superb run of provenances you have found so far. Yes, I can confirm is certainly nicer in hand. Some coins are really hard to capture in pictures. A fine friend indeed!
