54, Lot: 87. Estimate $125. Sold for $155. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Q. Antonius Balbus. 83-82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (3.84 gm). Laureate head of Jupiter right; S • C behind / Victory, holding branch and palm, in quadriga right; F below, Q • ANTO • BALB/[PR] in exergue. Crawford 364/1d; Sydenham 742b; Antonia 1. Toned, good VF. ($125)

Q. Antonius Balbus was a member of the Marian party, and in 82 BC he was appointed praetor of Sardinia. Before leaving to assume his post, the Senate, which was dominated by members of the Marian party, ordered this issue struck to pay the army preparing to resist the return of Sulla to power. The reverse imagery reflects Balbus' expectations of victory. Sulla, however, was victorious, and in 82 BC Balbus was removed from his seat as praetor by L. Philippus and then slain.