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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 509  9 Feb 2022
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Lot 486

Estimate: 200 USD
Price realized: 650 USD
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T. Didius. 113-112 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.82 g, 6h). Rome mint. Helmeted head of Roma right; Roma monogram to left, mark of value below / Two gladiators fighting, each holding shield, one attacks with flail, the other with staff or sword. Crawford 294/1; Sydenham 550; Didia 2; RBW 1134. A few light marks. VF.

From the Collection of a Yorkshire Gentleman. Ex Nicoleta Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 375, 1 June 2016), lot 629.

A popular type, and the only Roman denarius featuring gladiatorial combat. Crawford suggests that the design was an act of political propoganda on Didius's part, implying that he would hold gladiatorial games should he be elected aedile. Whether or not he was remains unknown.
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