Artemide Aste s.r.l.
Auction 55E 26-27 Jun 2021
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L. Papius Celsus. AR Denarius, 45 BC. Obv. Laureate head of Triumphus right, with trophy over shoulder; below, TRIVMPVS. Rev. CELSVS III VIR. She-wolf right, placing stick on fire; on right, eagle fanning flames with its wings; in exergue, L. PAPIVS. Cr. 472/2; B. 3. AR. 3.56 g. 18.00 mm. R. A superb example of this rare and fascinating issue, unusually well centred and complete. Brilliant and lightly toned. About EF. ���
The reverse alludes to the legendary foundation of Lanuvium. Whilst Aeneas and his Trojan companions were engaged in building the city, they noticed a fire in an adjoining wood. This was caused by a she-wolf placing pieces of wood on a brazier, fanned by an eagle with its wings. A fox (missing from the scene) seeing the fire vaintly tried to extinguish it by dipping its tail into a neighbouring stream, but was driven off by the wolf and eagle. Aeneas deduced from this that the new colony would become famous, but would have to contend against the jealousy of its neighbours, yet in the end would prevail. (RSC I, p.71, 3a note).
The reverse alludes to the legendary foundation of Lanuvium. Whilst Aeneas and his Trojan companions were engaged in building the city, they noticed a fire in an adjoining wood. This was caused by a she-wolf placing pieces of wood on a brazier, fanned by an eagle with its wings. A fox (missing from the scene) seeing the fire vaintly tried to extinguish it by dipping its tail into a neighbouring stream, but was driven off by the wolf and eagle. Aeneas deduced from this that the new colony would become famous, but would have to contend against the jealousy of its neighbours, yet in the end would prevail. (RSC I, p.71, 3a note).