Roman Republic (Ancient, pre-41 BC)
Q. Pompeius Rufus. Silver Denarius (3.68 g), 54 BC. Rome. Q POM [RVFI] before, RVFVS COS behind, bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right. Reverse: SVLLA COS, bare head of Sulla right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4. Very scarce. Unusually well centered and delicately toned. NGC grade XF; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5. Scratches. Estimated Value $500
The portrait of Sulla on this coin is the only known portrait of the infamous Roman dictator. The moneyer was his grandson, and although the coin was struck a quarter century after the dictator's death, the portrait of Sulla was almost certainly modeled on a bust or death mask to which the moneyer would have had access.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.