ROMAN REPUBLICAN. M. Nonius Sufenas. 57 B.C. AR denarius. 3.83 gm. 18 mm. Rome mint. Head of Saturn right; harpa above baetyl (conical stone) to left; S • C upward to left, SVFENAS downward to right / Roma seated left on pile of arms, holding spear and sword, being crowned by Victory; • PR • L • V • P • F (praetor ludos Victoriae primus fecit) around, SEX • NONI in exergue. Crawford 421/1. Sydenham 885. RSC Nonia 1. Near Very Fine; beautiful iridescent toning; bankers' marks on obverse.

Roman Silver coins, Vol. 1 (Third revised edition, 1978) states: "Sextus Nonius, possibly the moneyer's father, in B.C. 81 inaugurated the Ludi Victoriae Sullenae in honour of Sulla's victory at the Colline gate." (Sulla, a Roman general and statesman, was a major actor in the late Republic. He ended the Civil War in 82 B.C. by defeating Marius and winning the Battle at the Colline Gate. He declared himself dictator, stepping down in 79 B.C. after reforming the Roman Constitution in an attempt to restore the primacy of the Senate.)