The New York Sale
Auction LI 12 Jan 2021
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Q. Pompeius Rufus. Silver Denarius (3.68 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. Unusually well centered and delicately toned. NGC grade XF; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5. Scratches. Estimated Value $500
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 The William Oldknow Collection.
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 The William Oldknow Collection.