ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. L. Valerius Acisculus. 45 B.C. AR denarius. 3.67 gm. 19 mm. Rome mint. Diademed head of lightly bearded Apollo Soranus right; star above, acisculus (double-headed pick) to left; ACISCVLVS / Europa riding bull walking right, holding a billowing veil above; L VALERIVS. CRI 90. Crawford 474/1a. Sydenham 998. RSC Valeria 17. Very Fine; fine style. Fresh surfaces with attractive light tone and traces of iridescence; small graffito on reverse. An attractive type, here struck with artistic dies.

Ex Trausnitz Collection. Ex Künker FPL 148 (June/July 1999) lot 120.

In the myth of Jupiter and Europa in Ovid's Metamorphoses (II.873-5), the king of the gods transforms into a white bull to join the herd of Europa's father, abduct the maiden, carry her across the sea to Crete and install her as queen.