Watch List notes:

L. Cestius and C. Norbanus. Aureus circa 43 BC, AV 8.10 g. Draped bust of Africa r., wearing elephant-skin headdress. Rev. L·CESTIVS / EX·S·C – PR Curule chair; legs decorated with eagles, on top, two snakes facing each other; in exergue, C·NORBA. Babelon Cestia 2 and Norbana 4. Bahrfeldt 25. Sydenham 1154. Sear Imperators 195a. RBW 1718. Crawford 491/1b. Calicó 4.
An extremely rare variety in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among
the finest specimens known. Struck on a very broad flan and good extremely fine

The circumstances under which this aureus, and its companion issue, were struck are not certainly known, but it almost certainly is an emergency issue of the senate. It was struck in the name of the praetors Lucius Cestius and Gaius Norbanus, presumably in the early part of 43 B.C., when the senate became allied with Octavian against Marc Antony, who had been declared a public enemy by the senate in February of this year following his 'war' against Decimus Brutus. The former right-hand-man of Julius Caesar, Antony, now realized just how formidable enemy he had in young Octavian. As perilous as the situation could have become (the production of these aurei indicates the senate was formulating plans for war), Antony and Octavian resolved their differences through negotiation. On November 11, 43 the Second Triumvirate was formed, which determined that Antony, Octavian and Lepidus would to work together rather than engage in a costly civil war.

Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5, NGC certification number 6159319-009.

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