Roman Imperatorial Period (Ancient, 49-27 BC)
Cn. Pompeius Magnus. Silver Denarius (3.78 g), 49 BC. Uncertain mint in Greece. Cn. Calpurnius Piso, proquaestor. [CN] PISO PRO Q, head of Numa Pompilius right, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA. Reverse: MAGN above, PRO COS below, prow of galley right. Crawford 446/1; HCRI 7; Sydenham 1032; RSC 4. Boldly struck and well centered. Toned. Scarce. NGC grade XF; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5. Edge chips. Our grade is Very Fine. Estimated Value $350
The legendary king of Rome, Numa Pompilius appears on the obverse of this coin as an allusion to the nomen (family name) of the issuing proquaestor. According to tradition Pompilius had a son name Calpus, from whom the gens Calpurnia derived its name. The prow on the reverse refers to Pompey's famous victories over the Cilician pirates in 67/6 BC.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.