Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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L. Valerius Acisculus. Denarius, 3.13g. (4h). Rome, 45 BC. Obv: Garlanded head of Bacchus right, ACISCVLS (sic) and pickaxe behind; all within laurel wreath. Rx: Laureate and diademed head of Venus right, L VALERIVS before. Crawford-. Sydenham-. RSC Valeria-. Sear, Imperators-. Somewhat corroded. VF.
Ex Randy Haviland Collection.
While a handful of "new" Republican quinarii have appeared in recent years, of types known previously only on denarii, it has been hundreds of years since an entirely unknown Roman Republican denarius has been discovered. The present piece is therefore a true "holy grail" of Republican numismatics, if it is authentic. We believe it is a genuine new discovery of enormous importance, but not without reservations There are many arguments in favor of this coin's authenticity. The extensive coinage of L. Valerius Acisculus is unusually varied, including representations of Apollo, Europa on bull, a human-headed owl, Sibyl, Jupiter, an anguipedic giant, Sol, Luna in biga, Victory, a pick-axe and a double cornucopia. There are five main denarius types, with a number of sub-varieties; one quinarius and two sestertii. The fractions are of considerable rarity, while the denarius with Jupiter and the giant, Crawford 474/4, is one of the classic rarities of the entire Republican series. (See lot 252 for an example of this desirable type.) Given this abundance of imagination, the addition of Bacchus and Venus to Acisculus' pantheon is hardly unexpected. The engraving style of the present piece is entirely consistent with late-Republican artistic norms; compare for example the head of Venus here to that on the famous "Sulla's Dream" denarius of L. Aemilius Buca, Crawford 480/1, struck a year later in 44 BC. This coin incorporates subtle and persuasive details such as the laurel wreath surrounding Bacchus and the double-headed pick or acisculus--a punning allusion to the moneyer's cognomen--which occur on other types of this issue. If this is a modern invention, it is a remarkably adroit and ingenious one. The physical appearance of the coin is somewhat troubling however. The overall light corrosion could, potentially, be an artifice intended to hide evidence of forgery. The obverse legend is slightly blundered--ACISCVLS rather than ACISCVLVS--and the letter forms are atypically sketchy in comparison to the "normal" types of this issue. The slight "bulge" on the face of Bacchus is difficult to explain. That said, the difficulties, while real, seem insufficient to justify condemnation of this coin out of hand. Close examination under a microscope reveals very persuasive mineral deposits and no unambiguous evidence of forgery. The same corrosion, on a coin of "normal" types, would not engender an outright declaration of forgery. Many experts have examined it, without arriving at consensus as to its authenticity. The original seller of this piece, Tom Cederlind, stated that Dr. Jonathan Williams of the British Museum had carefully examined it and believed it to be genuine. Other experts in Republican numismatics have expressed misgivings about it or condemned it unequivocally . One longtime student made the astute observation that a "discovery" piece such as this will always engender doubts if the circumstances of its discovery are unknown We urge prospective bidders to carefully examine this piece and arrive at their own conclusion as to its authenticity. Sold as is, no returns..
Ex Randy Haviland Collection.
While a handful of "new" Republican quinarii have appeared in recent years, of types known previously only on denarii, it has been hundreds of years since an entirely unknown Roman Republican denarius has been discovered. The present piece is therefore a true "holy grail" of Republican numismatics, if it is authentic. We believe it is a genuine new discovery of enormous importance, but not without reservations There are many arguments in favor of this coin's authenticity. The extensive coinage of L. Valerius Acisculus is unusually varied, including representations of Apollo, Europa on bull, a human-headed owl, Sibyl, Jupiter, an anguipedic giant, Sol, Luna in biga, Victory, a pick-axe and a double cornucopia. There are five main denarius types, with a number of sub-varieties; one quinarius and two sestertii. The fractions are of considerable rarity, while the denarius with Jupiter and the giant, Crawford 474/4, is one of the classic rarities of the entire Republican series. (See lot 252 for an example of this desirable type.) Given this abundance of imagination, the addition of Bacchus and Venus to Acisculus' pantheon is hardly unexpected. The engraving style of the present piece is entirely consistent with late-Republican artistic norms; compare for example the head of Venus here to that on the famous "Sulla's Dream" denarius of L. Aemilius Buca, Crawford 480/1, struck a year later in 44 BC. This coin incorporates subtle and persuasive details such as the laurel wreath surrounding Bacchus and the double-headed pick or acisculus--a punning allusion to the moneyer's cognomen--which occur on other types of this issue. If this is a modern invention, it is a remarkably adroit and ingenious one. The physical appearance of the coin is somewhat troubling however. The overall light corrosion could, potentially, be an artifice intended to hide evidence of forgery. The obverse legend is slightly blundered--ACISCVLS rather than ACISCVLVS--and the letter forms are atypically sketchy in comparison to the "normal" types of this issue. The slight "bulge" on the face of Bacchus is difficult to explain. That said, the difficulties, while real, seem insufficient to justify condemnation of this coin out of hand. Close examination under a microscope reveals very persuasive mineral deposits and no unambiguous evidence of forgery. The same corrosion, on a coin of "normal" types, would not engender an outright declaration of forgery. Many experts have examined it, without arriving at consensus as to its authenticity. The original seller of this piece, Tom Cederlind, stated that Dr. Jonathan Williams of the British Museum had carefully examined it and believed it to be genuine. Other experts in Republican numismatics have expressed misgivings about it or condemned it unequivocally . One longtime student made the astute observation that a "discovery" piece such as this will always engender doubts if the circumstances of its discovery are unknown We urge prospective bidders to carefully examine this piece and arrive at their own conclusion as to its authenticity. Sold as is, no returns..