Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 114 13-14 May 2020
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M. Volteius M.f. 75 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.01 g, 3h). Rome mint. Laureate, helmeted, and draped bust of Attis right; shield to left / Cybele driving biga of lions right; MΘ above. Crawford 385/4; Sydenham 777; Volteia 4; FFC 1232 (this coin). Lovely old toning. Near EF. Well struck and centered.
Ex Alba Longa (Jose Fernandez Molina) Collection; Peus 360 (27 April 1999), lot 335; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 908.
The bust on the obverse has been variously identified as Attis, Liber, or Bellona. The reverse depiction of Cyble/Magna Mater in a chariot pulled by lions argues for the identification with Attis, in Greek mythology the eunuch consort of the great mother goddess. Cybele's cult image was brought to Rome from Pessinus in Phrygia circa 204 BC, in response to the Sibylline Oracle's prediction that Rome could only defeat Carthage by importing and adopting her statue and cult. Games in her honor were celebrated in 193 and became an annual event with the completion of her temple by Marcus Junius Brutus.
Ex Alba Longa (Jose Fernandez Molina) Collection; Peus 360 (27 April 1999), lot 335; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 908.
The bust on the obverse has been variously identified as Attis, Liber, or Bellona. The reverse depiction of Cyble/Magna Mater in a chariot pulled by lions argues for the identification with Attis, in Greek mythology the eunuch consort of the great mother goddess. Cybele's cult image was brought to Rome from Pessinus in Phrygia circa 204 BC, in response to the Sibylline Oracle's prediction that Rome could only defeat Carthage by importing and adopting her statue and cult. Games in her honor were celebrated in 193 and became an annual event with the completion of her temple by Marcus Junius Brutus.