The New York Sale
Auction 48 14 Jan 2020
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Q. Pompeius Rufus. Silver Denarius (3.76 g), 54 BC. Rome. Q POM RVFI before, RVFVS COS behind, bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right. Reverse: SVLLA COS, bare head of Sulla right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4. Very scarce. Pleasing uniform antique grey toning. NGC grade Ch XF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Value $5,000 - UP
The portrait of Sulla on this coin is the only known portrait of the infamous Roman dictator. The moneyer was his grandson, and although the coin was struck a quarter century after the dictator's death, the portrait of Sulla was almost certainly modeled on a bust or death mask to which the moneyer would have had access.
Ex Apostolo Zeno Collection, pt. II (Dorotheum, 6 June 1956), 2755.
The portrait of Sulla on this coin is the only known portrait of the infamous Roman dictator. The moneyer was his grandson, and although the coin was struck a quarter century after the dictator's death, the portrait of Sulla was almost certainly modeled on a bust or death mask to which the moneyer would have had access.
Ex Apostolo Zeno Collection, pt. II (Dorotheum, 6 June 1956), 2755.