M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus (ca. 67 or 57 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.77 gm, 4h). NGC AU 4/5 - 4/5. Rome. CESTIANVS (downwards), laureate, helmeted, draped bust right of syncretistic deity with attributes of Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana and Victory; horned R in inner left field, S•C (downwards) above cornucopia before, bead-and-reel border / M•PLAE-TORIVS•M-F•AED•CVR (counterclockwise), eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head and tail left, wings spread; bead-and-reel border. Crawford 409/1. Sydenham 808. Plaetoria 3. Crawford (67 BC), Hersh/Walker (67 BC, first issue). Crawford notes that although the composite deity on the obverse is not certainly identifiable, the traditional description of Vacuna is impossible and more likely is Isis, thus resolving the reverse as the Ptolemaic eagle. Vacuna was an ancient Sabine deity, who was shrouded in mystery already in the 3rd century AD, and was likely associated with bodies of water, like two other Sabine deities - Velinia, goddess of Lake Velinus and another goddess of Lake Cutiliae.

HID09801242017

© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website