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Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.60 g, 6h). Rome mint. Facing mask of Medusa with disheveled hair, without serpents / Victory (or winged Aurora) flying right, head slightly left, holding reins and conducting four rearing horses of the sun. Crawford 453/1c; CRI 29a; Sydenham 959b; Plautia 14; RBW 1585. Attractive old collection toning. Good VF.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 94 (18 September 2013), lot 981; Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 61, 25 September 2002), lot 1517.
Certainly this type is one of the most attractive of all Roman Republican issues, although it is notoriously difficult to obtain an example that is well struck on both sides, as is this superb specimen. The reverse type, remarkably, can be tied to a specific ancient work of art, a painting by the 4th century BC artist Nikomachos of Thebes, apparently in the possession of the Munatii and possibly the personal property of the moneyer, L. Plautius Plancus. Plautius was the brother of Lucius Munatius Plancus, who famously survived the precarious times by constantly switching sides. When the Second Triumvirate was formed in 43 BC, he reputedly demonstrated his loyalty by offering up his brother Plautius for proscription and execution. Munatius apparently inherited the painting as it is recorded that he dedicated it to the Capitol at his Gallic Triumph of the same year, raising the question of his motivation in surrendering his brother’s life.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 13 May at 2 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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