Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Syria. Gaius Sosius. AE 20, 6.84g. (11h). Uncertain mint in Syria, c. 38 BC. Obv: Bare head right. Rx: Fiscus, sella quaestoria, and hasta; below, [Q]. RPC 5410. Sear, Imperators 958. AMNG 228. VF.
Ex Randy Haviland Collection.
The portrait on the obverse of this coin is very much in dispute. There is a detailed discussion in RPC I, pp. 715-716. The portrait has been attributed to Brutus by Friedlander, Augustus by Gaebler and finally Caesar by M. Price. The portrait bears a striking resemblance to that of RPC 4082-3 which has been interpreted as Augustus and attributed to Cilicia. The obverse legend of that type is PRINCEPS FELIX. The coins of our type have normally been considered Macedonian due to the similarities between the reverse type and those of the Quaestor, Aesillas. However, RPC notes that the hasta, which symbolized imperium, the money chest, and quaestor's chair were objects that symbolized Roman authority and there is no other evidence linking the coin to Macedonia. Additionally, no specimens have been found in Macedonia, but two are reported to have come to light in Cilicia, which accordingly seems more likely to have been the approximate location of the mint. The most recent suggestion is that this is the portrait of the governor Sosius, who was stationed in Syria and commanded the fleet during the time of dispute between Mark Antony and Octavian. He later surrendered to Octavian and was pardoned after Antony and Cleopatra fled Actium.
Ex Randy Haviland Collection.
The portrait on the obverse of this coin is very much in dispute. There is a detailed discussion in RPC I, pp. 715-716. The portrait has been attributed to Brutus by Friedlander, Augustus by Gaebler and finally Caesar by M. Price. The portrait bears a striking resemblance to that of RPC 4082-3 which has been interpreted as Augustus and attributed to Cilicia. The obverse legend of that type is PRINCEPS FELIX. The coins of our type have normally been considered Macedonian due to the similarities between the reverse type and those of the Quaestor, Aesillas. However, RPC notes that the hasta, which symbolized imperium, the money chest, and quaestor's chair were objects that symbolized Roman authority and there is no other evidence linking the coin to Macedonia. Additionally, no specimens have been found in Macedonia, but two are reported to have come to light in Cilicia, which accordingly seems more likely to have been the approximate location of the mint. The most recent suggestion is that this is the portrait of the governor Sosius, who was stationed in Syria and commanded the fleet during the time of dispute between Mark Antony and Octavian. He later surrendered to Octavian and was pardoned after Antony and Cleopatra fled Actium.