Watch List notes:

C. Vibius Varus (42 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 3.67 gm, 12h). Rome. Head of young Bacchus or Liber right, wreathed with ivy and grapes / C. VIBIVS in exergue, VARVS to right, panther springing left towards garlanded altar surmounted by Bacchic mask; behind altar, thyrsus. Crawford 494/36. Sear 192. Sydenham 1138. Vibia 24. Attractive toning. Extremely Fine.From the Mayflower Collection. Bacchus was the familiar name by which the Romans called the Greek god Dionysus. He was also equated with the Italian god of fertility and wine, Liber Pater, whose name is probably derived from the same root as the word 'libation', suggesting that originally he was a earth spirit who could be worshipped by pouring offerings on the ground. The panther was often depicted in art as the companion of Bacchus, and the pinecone-tipped thyrsus was his distinctive staff.

Estimate: 400.00-550.00 USD