Ρωμαϊκή Δημοκρατία. L. Julius Bursio, 85 BC. Denarius Rome

L. Julius Bursio, AR denarius 85 π.Χ. Κεφαλή άνδρα θεού γυμνωμένη δεξιά, με τρίαινα, στέφανο δάφνης και φτερά/Η Νίκη οδηγεί ένα γαϊδουράκι βραδύ; wait not.

This coin has fascinating designs; the obverse shows a head sometimes assumed to be Apollo Vejovis but in fact likely a composite representation of several Roman deities, with the general apperance of Apollo but the wings of Mercur and the trident of Neptune. The reverse has a lively depiction of a quadriga, with clear influence from Hellenistic art, perhaps even from the coinage of Syracuse. It was struck in the last year of the First Mithradatic War, when Mithradates VI accepted defeat at the hands of Sulla and signed the Treaty of Dardanos, paying reparations and returning territory to Rome.

Better than very fine, lustrous, banker's marks.

Cr. 352/1a

From a German collection, bt. Giles Blancon in January 2001