Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 323 26 March 2014
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LYDIA, Tralles (as Caesarea). Vedius Pollio. Legate of Asia, circa 29/8-27 BC. Æ (21mm, 6.16 g, 12h). Menandros, son of Parrhasios, magistrate. Bare head of Vedius Pollio right; uncertain object behind / Laureate head of Zeus right. RPC I 2635; SNG München 718; SNG Copenhagen 688; BMC 76-8. VF, green patina, area of roughness on obverse, adjustment marks on both sides.
An equestrian and confidant of Augustus, Vedius Pollio appears to have had an important administrative career, serving in the restoration of a proconsular government in Asia and possibly even in the refoundation of Tralles as Caesarea. However, his personal cruelty, especially toward slaves, more than matched his public deeds, as he is said to have kept a pool of lampreys for the sole purpose of executing servants he was displeased with.
An equestrian and confidant of Augustus, Vedius Pollio appears to have had an important administrative career, serving in the restoration of a proconsular government in Asia and possibly even in the refoundation of Tralles as Caesarea. However, his personal cruelty, especially toward slaves, more than matched his public deeds, as he is said to have kept a pool of lampreys for the sole purpose of executing servants he was displeased with.