Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 103 24 Nov 2022
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L. Cornelius Sulla Felix AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Italy, 81 BC. Diademed head of Venus to right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Filleted double cornucopiae; Q below. Crawford 375/2; BMCRR East 17; RSC Cornelia 33. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone.
From the collection of Z.P., Austria.
While Sulla's enemy Marius claimed Apollo as his divine patron, Sulla himself invoked the goddess Venus, and consequently she appears on the obverse of his coinage. The double cornucopiae is an attribute of Fortuna and may allude to Sulla's cognomen, Felix, but it likely also suggests that this issue was intended to defray the expenses of some special largesse of grain - the inhabitants of Rome must have badly needed some such assistance after the recent struggle.
Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone.
From the collection of Z.P., Austria.
While Sulla's enemy Marius claimed Apollo as his divine patron, Sulla himself invoked the goddess Venus, and consequently she appears on the obverse of his coinage. The double cornucopiae is an attribute of Fortuna and may allude to Sulla's cognomen, Felix, but it likely also suggests that this issue was intended to defray the expenses of some special largesse of grain - the inhabitants of Rome must have badly needed some such assistance after the recent struggle.