433, Lot: 289. Estimate $150. Sold for $95. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Censorinus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.86 g, 12h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right / Marsyas standing left, raising hand and holding wineskin over shoulder; to right, column surmounted by statue of Minerva(?) standing right. Crawford 363/1d; Sydenham 737; Marcia 24. Good VF, toned, a couple light scratches.

Ex Collection of Professor L. Fontana (CNG Inventory 873082, July 2010).

This type alludes to the musical contest between Apollo and the satyr Marsyas, the moneyer’s nomen being Marcia. Though Apollo was declared the victor, the one vote cast against him by King Midas of Phrygia caused much suffering for both Marsyas and Midas himself.