Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 529 14 Dec 2022
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ROMAN. Republican-Imperial. Lot of 46 Roman PB (Lead) Sling Bullets. 1st Century BC - AD. Each bullet football-shaped, ranging in size up to 2" / 4.6 cm, and weighing up to 60 grams. M. C. Bishop & J. C. N. Coulston, Roman Military Equipment, figure 27, 1 to 5. Oxidized surfaces with some earthen encrustation and intact but with some light dings from being used in battle.
From the Kenneth W. Dorney Collection.
The collector writes: "Found in Southern Spain, and purportedly from the site of the battle of Munda, the last decisive battle between Julius Caesar and the Pompeians. As such these sling bullets would be remnants from one of the most important battles of all western civilization, but alas, it cannot be confirmed, only that they were in fact found in Spain. Slingers were employed by both sides in most all of the Civil War battles. The only time they can be closely attributed is by inscription or symbol, such as thunderbolts (I have in my collection two of which are inscribed with the name of Pompey). Many have been found with interesting or humorous inscriptions like DEXA ("catch!") or FERI POMP ("strike Pompey!").
From the Kenneth W. Dorney Collection.
The collector writes: "Found in Southern Spain, and purportedly from the site of the battle of Munda, the last decisive battle between Julius Caesar and the Pompeians. As such these sling bullets would be remnants from one of the most important battles of all western civilization, but alas, it cannot be confirmed, only that they were in fact found in Spain. Slingers were employed by both sides in most all of the Civil War battles. The only time they can be closely attributed is by inscription or symbol, such as thunderbolts (I have in my collection two of which are inscribed with the name of Pompey). Many have been found with interesting or humorous inscriptions like DEXA ("catch!") or FERI POMP ("strike Pompey!").