NumisBids
  
Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 97  26 May 2022
View prices realized

Lot 950

Estimate: 150 GBP
Price realized: 160 GBP
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bare head of L. Junius Brutus to right; BRVTVS downwards to left / Bare head of C. Servilius Ahala right; AHAL[A] downwards to left. Crawford 433/2; BMCRR Rome 3864; RSC Junia 30. 3.57g, 18mm, 3h.

Near Very Fine; banker's mark to rev.

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 82, 15 April 2021, lot 1057;
Ex Keith Cullum Collection (purchased in 1969), Dix Noonan Webb Ltd., Auction 160, 5 June 2019, lot 1305.

Caius Servilius Ahala served as magister equitum in 439 BC, when Cincinnatus was appointed dictator on the supposition that Spurius Maelius was styling himself a king and plotting against the state. During the night on which the dictator was appointed, the capitol and all the strong posts were garrisoned by the partisans of the patricians. In the morning, when the people assembled in the forum, with Spurius Maelius among them, Ahala summoned the latter to appear before the dictator; and upon Maelius disobeying and taking refuge in the crowd, Ahala rushed into the throng and killed him. Though considered an act of murder at the time, Ahala was regarded by later writers as a hero.
Question about this auction? Contact Roma Numismatics Ltd