★ An exceptional denarius of Q. Fufius Calenus and M ★

Q. Fufius Calenus and Mucius Cordus, 68 BC. Denarius (Silver, 23 mm, 3.94 g, 6 h), Rome. HO - VIR - KALENI Jugate heads of Honos, laureate, and Virtus, wearing crested helmet, to right. Rev. [I]TA - RO / CORDI Italia, on the left, standing to right and holding cornucopiae, clasping right hand with Roma, on the right, standing to left, holding fasces and with her right foot set on globe; in left field, winged caduceus. Babelon (Fufia and Mucia) 1. Crawford 403/1. RBW 1445. Sydenham 797. An exceptional example, arguably among the best, if not the best known. Sharply struck with full mint luster and delightful golden toning. Unobtrusive tiny die breaks on the reverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.

From the collection of Yves Gunzenreiner, ex Triton VI, 13 January 2003, 699 and Leu 28, 5-6 January 1981, 313.

The condition of this splendid coin is nothing short of exceptional: its brilliant mint luster shows that it did not see any circulation whatsoever before it was buried.