171, Lot: 233. Estimate $150. Sold for $341. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Q. Pompeius Rufus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.92 g). Head of Sulla right / Head of Quintus Pompeius Rufus right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4. Near VF, toned, several bankers’ marks. Scarce.

This coin issue bears the only portrait of the dictator Sulla. The moneyer was the grandson of Sulla and his home would likely have had portraits of their famous ancestor. Thus, although posthumously struck, the portrait on these coins is probably an accurate representation.