Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, as Imperator (41 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 3.91 gm, 5h). NGC VF 4/5 - 3/5, scratches. Military mint traveling with Ahenobarbus in the region of the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. AHENOBAR, bare head of Ahenobarbus (?) right, wearing short beard / CN•DOMITIVS•IMP, trophy with two spears and shields on prow right. Crawford 519/2. Sydenham 1177. Domitia 21. From the Rockport Collection. Privately purchased from Heritage Auctions in the 1980s. Sold with original custom holder listing older catalog references. Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus was known more for his conflicting and intricate familial and political connections than for his military prowess. He was the son of L. Domitius Ahenobarbus (executed by Mithradates VI for alleged tax abuses by having gold poured down his throat) and Porcia Catones, sister of Cato the Younger (and half-sister to Servilia Caepiones, mistress of Caesar). He was also ancestor to the future emperor Nero through his son's marriage to Antonia, daughter of Marc Antony by Octavia, sister of Octavian/Augustus. Originally an opponent of the Caesarian faction, he later switched sides and fought for Octavian and Antony against the assassins, led by Brutus (his cousin once removed) and Cassius. A close friend of Antony's, he became disenchanted by Cleopatra's increasing influence and ultimately switched sides to Octavian, shortly before his death.

HID09801242017

© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website