Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 95 13 Apr 2022
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Cn. Nerius, L. Lentulus and Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Head of Saturn to right, harpa over shoulder; NERI[•Q•VRB] (ligate) downwards before / Aquila between two signa inscribed H (for Hastati) and P (for Principes), respectively; L•LEN[T] upwards on left, C•MARC(ligate) upwards on right, CO-S across lower fields. Crawford 441/1; BMCRR Rome 3950; CRI 2; RSC Neria 1. 4.09g, 17mm, 3h.
Near Extremely Fine.
Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BC kicked off a flurry of activity. There could no longer be any doubt that the matter would have to be resolved by force of arms, and so the pro-Republican Senatorial faction, led by Pompey and at this time based in Rome, needed troops to face the juggernaut that was Caesar's experienced and dedicated army of veterans. To raise troops, they would need money, and this coin was undoubtedly part of an ad hoc issue intended for this purpose – as the reverse type would suggest, with its legionary eagle and military standards. These coins were issued by Gnaeus Nerius, a Quaestor Urbanus who had charge of the Aerarium - the official treasury of the Republic and site where the military standards were kept, based in the Temple of Saturn in Rome.
Crawford notes in regards to this coin that 'the consular dating of the issue is unusual'. This is undoubtedly an entry by Nerius into the war of words which the crisis of the late Republic brought about – by naming the consuls of that year, Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus and Gaius Claudius Marcellus Maior, he reminds handlers of this coin who is legitimately in charge, having been duly elected in the traditional Republican mode, and thusly identifies Caesar as a usurper.
This coin is of historical interest, and perhaps some poignancy, in being the final Pompeian issue from the mint of Rome before they fled to Greece and, in doing so, surrendered the mint to Caesarian hands, in which it would remain even after his assassination.
Near Extremely Fine.
Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BC kicked off a flurry of activity. There could no longer be any doubt that the matter would have to be resolved by force of arms, and so the pro-Republican Senatorial faction, led by Pompey and at this time based in Rome, needed troops to face the juggernaut that was Caesar's experienced and dedicated army of veterans. To raise troops, they would need money, and this coin was undoubtedly part of an ad hoc issue intended for this purpose – as the reverse type would suggest, with its legionary eagle and military standards. These coins were issued by Gnaeus Nerius, a Quaestor Urbanus who had charge of the Aerarium - the official treasury of the Republic and site where the military standards were kept, based in the Temple of Saturn in Rome.
Crawford notes in regards to this coin that 'the consular dating of the issue is unusual'. This is undoubtedly an entry by Nerius into the war of words which the crisis of the late Republic brought about – by naming the consuls of that year, Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus and Gaius Claudius Marcellus Maior, he reminds handlers of this coin who is legitimately in charge, having been duly elected in the traditional Republican mode, and thusly identifies Caesar as a usurper.
This coin is of historical interest, and perhaps some poignancy, in being the final Pompeian issue from the mint of Rome before they fled to Greece and, in doing so, surrendered the mint to Caesarian hands, in which it would remain even after his assassination.