M. Volteius M.f. 75 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.90 g, 9h). Rome mint. VF.

Electronic Auction 588
Lot: 461. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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M. Volteius M.f. 75 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.90 g, 9h). Rome mint. Head of Bacchus (or Liber) right, wearing ivy wreath / Ceres, holding lighted torches, standing in biga of serpents right; poppy to left. Crawford 385/3; Sydenham 776; Volteia 3; RBW 1416 var. (control). Iridescent cabinet tone, minor marks and scratches under tone. VF.

This reverse type is part of the "not horses" series of Roman coinage which depict something other than horses pulling a biga, triga or quadriga. With the exception of elephants, these are fictional depictions that never happened in real life. The series includes: elephants; stags; cupids; seahorses; centaurs; snakes; and lions. All are pulling bigas with the exception of the elephant issues which are usually quadrigas with a "Divus" reference. The series is quite collectible in VF grades and below but becomes a challenge above that level.

From the G. Savonarola Collection, purchased from Umberto Fiero, 1986.


Closing Date and Time: 4 June 2025 at 12:33:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.