321, Lot: 471. Estimate $200. Sold for $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

M. Aemilius Lepidus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.68 g, 5h). Rome mint. Veiled and laureate head of the Vestal Virgin Aemilia right / View of the Basilica Aemilia with circular shields attached to the columns. Crawford 419/3a; Sydenham 833; Aemilia 26. VF, toned, roughness, numerous scratches in fields. Rare.

The reverse type records the restoration of the Basilica Aemilia in 78 BC during the consulship of the moneyer’s father, who added the shields or portraits of his ancestors.