Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.59 g, 12h). Rome mint. Good VF.

Electronic Auction 590
Lot: 638.
Closing Date: Jul 2 2025 10:00 ET

Roman Republican, Silver

Estimate: $ 150

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Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.59 g, 12h). Rome mint. Diademed and veiled head of Concordia right; crescent below chin / Shrine of Venus Cloacina: Circular platform surmounted by two statues of the goddess, each resting hand on cippus, the platform inscribed CLOACIN and ornamented with trellis-pattern balustrade, flight of steps and portico on left. Crawford 494/42c; CRI 188b; Sydenham 1093b; Mussidia 6a; RBW 1746; cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 34 (for rev. type). Toned, some deposits. Good VF.

From the Doctore Collection.

The shrine of Venus Cloacina (“Venus of the Sewer”) was a circular platform above the entrance to the Cloaca Maxima, Rome’s oldest and largest sewer, on the north side of the Roman Forum. This denarius by the moneyer L. Mussidius Longus provides the best record of its original form. The platform was encircled by a trellis and supported statues of two goddesses; possibly one portrayed Venus and the other Cloacina, the original Etruscan goddess of the small stream that later became the Cloaca Maxima. Cloacina was later amalgamated with Venus for unknown reasons and became an “aspect” of the goddess.

Closing Date and Time: 2 July 2025 at 13:32:20 ET.

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