Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Inc.

Auction 120  –  31 January - 3 February 2021

Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Inc., Auction 120

Pre-Long Beach Auction: Ancient Coins, US and World Coins and Currency

Part 1: Su, 31.01.2021, from 7:00 PM CET
Part 2: Mo, 01.02.2021, from 7:00 PM CET
Part 3: Mo, 01.02.2021, from 10:00 PM CET
Part 4: Tu, 02.02.2021, from 7:00 PM CET
Part 5: We, 03.02.2021, from 7:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

L. Torquatus. Silver Denarius (3.89 g), 58 BC. Rome. SIBVLLA below, head of Sibyl right, wreathed with ivy; all within dotted border. Reverse: L TORQVAT III VIR, tripod surmounted by an amphora between two stars; all within torque. Crawford 411/1b; Sydenham 835; Manlia 12. Beautiful fine artistic style with lovely old cabinet toning. NGC photo cert grade Ch VF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Edge cut. Our grade is Extremely Fine (we cannot find an "edge cut"). Estimated Value $500 - UP
The obverse and reverse types of this coin represent the mythical Sibyl of Cumae and her gift of prophecy. Prophecies attributed to her were written down in the so-called Sibylline books and stored in the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter so that they could be consulted in times of emergency. The torque that surrounds the reverse type refers back to the famous ancestor of L. Torquatus, T. Manlius, who received the family agnomen (nickname) Torquatus for his bravery in 361 BC. According to Roman tradition, a Gaul of great size and strength challenged the Roman army to settle the differences between their people in a duel of champions. Manlius, though small in stature, accepted the challenge and managed to kill the giant Gaul and claimed the golden torque around his neck as a trophy. Ever since that day he and his descendants were known as Torquati (literally "those with torques").
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.

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Bidding

Price realized 2'900 USD
Starting price 240 USD
Estimate 500 USD
The auction is closed.
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