Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich

Auction 91  –  23 May 2016

Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich, Auction 91

The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei

Mo, 23.05.2016, from 11:30 AM CEST
The auction is closed.

Description

The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei Part I
THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Carinus, 283 – 285
Aureus 283–285, AV 4.21 g. IMP CARINVS P F AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VIRTV – S AVG Hercules standing r., leaning on club with lion’s skin set on rock. C 160. RIC 233. Calicó 4394 (this obverse die).
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A bold portrait and a very interesting
reverse type. Lovely reddish tone, virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Provenance
Inventory of Glenn W. Woods (Dallas, TX), sold in September 2007

Carinus is, perhaps, one of the underrated evil-doers of the Roman Empire. If the words of the historian Eutropius are of any value, this emperor’s reputation was terrible: ”He put to death very many innocent men on false charges, seduced the wives of nobles and even ruined those of his school fellows who had taunted him at school, even with trivial banter.” (Breviarium IX.19). The histories are persistent about his seemingly insatiable desire for women. The Historia Augusta reports that he was married and divorced nine times, and that he abandoned some of his wives while they were pregnant. We must, of course temper our view, as it is a fact that history is written by the victor. Considering Carinus was overthrown by Diocletian, who subsequently ruled with unquestioned supremacy for two decades, we might suspect that Carinus was unfairly maligned to add greater justification for the revolt of Diocletian who, after all, was little more than just another usurper when his army hailed him emperor against the legitimate emperor Carinus.

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Bidding

Price realized 32'000 CHF
Starting price 16'000 CHF
Estimate 20'000 CHF
The auction is closed.
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