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The Republicans. Labienus. Early 40 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.64 g, 5h). Uncertain mint in Syria or southeastern Asia Minor. Bare head right; Q • LABIENVS PARTHICVS • IMP around / Horse standing right on ground line, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; Hersh 2b (dies A/2 – this coin); CRI 341; Sydenham 1357; RSC 2; BMCRR East 132; Kestner –; RBW 1809. Toned, banker's mark on obverse, some marks, struck slightly off center. VF. Very rare.
Ex Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4402; Spink & Galerie des Monnaies (15 February 1977), lot 464; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 2, Bank Leu/Münzen und Medaillen, 21 October 1966), lot 966; Münzen und Medaillen AG VII (3 December 1948), lot 513; R. Laughlin Collection (A. Hess 221, 18 December 1933), lot 256; M. L. Vierordt Collection (J. Schulman, 5 March 1923), lot 508.
Quintus Labienus' father, a loyal Republican despite his distinguished service to Caesar in Gaul, died at the battle of Munda in 45 BC. His son joined the Republican cause and was sent to Persia to negotiate a pact of assistance with Orodes I, remaining at the Parthian court after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Orodes, concerned about the growing Roman presence in Asia and learning of growing dissatisfaction in the provinces, sent his son Pacorus and a large and heavily armored cavalry force with Labienus on an invasion of Syria in 40 BC. Labienus quickly subdued Syria and Cilicia and sent forces into Lycia and Caria before Ventidius Bassus arrived from Greece with eleven legions. Labienus and his allies were driven back to Cilicia, where the Parthian cavalry was routed at Mt. Taurus and Labienus was killed. Labienus, the last of the Republicans, died a traitor to Rome, and all but a handful of his coinage was melted down after his defeat.
Ex Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4402; Spink & Galerie des Monnaies (15 February 1977), lot 464; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 2, Bank Leu/Münzen und Medaillen, 21 October 1966), lot 966; Münzen und Medaillen AG VII (3 December 1948), lot 513; R. Laughlin Collection (A. Hess 221, 18 December 1933), lot 256; M. L. Vierordt Collection (J. Schulman, 5 March 1923), lot 508.
Quintus Labienus' father, a loyal Republican despite his distinguished service to Caesar in Gaul, died at the battle of Munda in 45 BC. His son joined the Republican cause and was sent to Persia to negotiate a pact of assistance with Orodes I, remaining at the Parthian court after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Orodes, concerned about the growing Roman presence in Asia and learning of growing dissatisfaction in the provinces, sent his son Pacorus and a large and heavily armored cavalry force with Labienus on an invasion of Syria in 40 BC. Labienus quickly subdued Syria and Cilicia and sent forces into Lycia and Caria before Ventidius Bassus arrived from Greece with eleven legions. Labienus and his allies were driven back to Cilicia, where the Parthian cavalry was routed at Mt. Taurus and Labienus was killed. Labienus, the last of the Republicans, died a traitor to Rome, and all but a handful of his coinage was melted down after his defeat.