Sacrifice Before the Battle of Lake Regillius

309, Lot: 226. Estimate $100. Sold for $300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

A. Postumius A.f. Sp.n. Albinus. 81 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (20mm, 3.88 g, 5h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder; bucranium above / Togate figure standing left on rock, holding aspergillum over head of ox standing right; lighted altar between them. Crawford 372/1; Sydenham 745; Postumia 7. VF, toned, a few deposits on reverse.

From the RVP Collection.

This type relates to the Battle of Lake Regillius, a legendary battle in which Rome triumphed over the forces of the Latin League, led by the expelled king of Rome Lucius Tarquinus Superbus, who was attempting to overthrow the Republic and reclaim the throne. The moneyer’s connection is to Aulus Postumius Albus, dictator at the time, who led the Roman army (as well as the Castor and Pollux, who fought alongside the Romans). Prior to the battle, the Romans made a special sacrifice to Diana at her temple on the Aventine Hill.