ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. Sextus Pompey. 40-39 B.C. AR denarius. 3.96 gm. 16 mm. Uncertain Sicilian mint. The Pharos of Messana surmounted by statue of Neptune standing right, with foot on prow, holding trident and rudder; in foreground, galley to left, with aquila on prow and scepter, trident, and grappling-iron in stern / The monster Scylla left, her torso consisting of dogs and fishes, wielding a rudder as a club with both hands. CRI 335-335b. Crawford 511/4a-d. Sydenham 1348-1349. RSC 2-3a. Good Very Fine; richly toned; areas of weak strike but well centered. Rare.

Scylla was a sea monster in Greek mythology who snatched and devoured sailors who travelled too close to her rocks.