★ A spectacular rendering of the shrine of Venus Cloacina ★

L. Mussidius Longus, 42 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.82 g, 7 h), Rome. CONCORDIA Diademed and veiled head of Concordia to right; before, crescent. Rev. L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS The shrine of Venus Cloacina: two statues standing facing on circular platform, each resting its right hand on cippus; the platform inscribed CLOACIN and ornamented with trellis-pattern balustrade, flight of steps and portico on left. Babelon (Mussidia) 6. Crawford 494/42c. CRI 188b. RBW 1745. Sydenham 1093b. A spectacular piece, perfectly centered on a broad flan and with magnificent old collection toning. Good extremely fine.

From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, privately acquired from Bank Leu on 5 November 1981 (with a photocopy of the original invoice enclosed), and very likely from the collection of Dr. E.P. Nicolas.

The reverse of this coin shows the shrine that was constructed on the Forum Romanum as a tribute to Venus Cloacina, the 'Venus of the sewage system'.