Roman Republic (Ancient, pre-41 BC)
L. Cestius and C. Norbanus. Gold Aureus (8.00 g), 43 BC. Emergency issue of the Roman Senate. Rome. Draped bust of Africa right, wearing elephant's skin headdress. Reverse: L CESTIVS above, S C - P R across field, C NORBA in exergue, Corinthian helmet atop curule chair, the front legs of which are decorated with eagles. Crawford 491/1a; HCRI 195; Sydenham 1153; Calicó 3. Very Rare. NGC grade VF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Slight bend, edge marks. Estimated Value $3,000
This rarity of the dying Republic was probably struck as an emergency issue by order of the Senate (indicated by the letters S C, senatus consulto, found on the reverse) apparently in connection with two African legions deployed abortively to defend Rome against Octavian in 43 BC. The head of Africa on the obverse seems to refer to these legions, while the sella curulis (curule chair) on the reverse may be read as a symbol of imperium. Crawford, however, has doubted these specific circumstances, arguing that the S C inscription does not necessarily express opposition to Octavian and that by the summer of 43 BC the Senate probably lacked the gold needed to issue this and related aureus issues on its own. This is clearly a remarkable coin and worthy of further thought.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.