Nomos

Auction 14  –  17 May 2017

Nomos, Auction 14

Greek, Roman and Byzantine Coins

We, 17.05.2017, from 1:30 PM CEST
The auction is closed.

Description

L. Hostilius Saserna, 48 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18mm, 4.16 g 11), Rome. Bearded male head to right, his hair straggling out behind him; cloak around neck and Gallic shield behind. Rev. L.HOSTILIVS / SASER[..] Nude Gallic warrior, holding shield with his left hand and hurling spear with his right, standing left in a galloping biga being driven to right by a seated charioteer holding a whip. Babelon (Hostilia) 2. Crawford 448/2. CRI 18. Sydenham 952. An interesting and historical coin, toned and with a spectacular obverse portrait. Reverse partially struck flat, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the Stoecklin Collection.

The head on this famous coin has long been identified as that of Vercingetorix, the defeated Gallic leader who graced Caesar’s triumph in Rome. This can not be proven but the head does have remarkably individualistic and natural features, and it must surely represent an actual Gaulish captive seen by the die engraver.

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Bidding

Price realized 5'200 CHF
Starting price 1'440 CHF
Estimate 1'800 CHF
The auction is closed.
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