Rare Roman Republic Silver Denarius M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus Rome Mint 58 BC VF+
Description: An interesting Roman coin for sale that admittedly is out of our area of expertise. However, we were fortunate enough to secure a few interesting Roman coins at a recent estate auction and will be selling them over the next few weeks. This is a very fine Roman republic M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus. 58 BC AR denarius (4.07 gm and 18.5 mm diameter) from the Rome mint. The obverse of the coin depicts King Aretas of Nabataea kneeling right beside saddled dromedary camel with his cape billowing behind. He is holding the reins in his left hand and offering filleted olive branch with his right hand. There is the legend [M SC]AVR AED CVR in two lines above him and REX ARETAS in exergue. [EJ]X - SC in the field surrounding the image with a dotted border. The reverse shows Jupiter brandishing a thunderbolt in right hand, while riding a quadriga facing left and a scorpion in front of the horses with the legend [P HVP]SAE AED CVR in two lines above the image and the legend CHVPSAE COS PREIVE in two lines below. Finally the reverse also has the legend CAPTV on the right of the image and a dotted border. This is a great coin that displays dark toning and hence it was very difficult to scan to show its beauty and hence the multiple scans. The coin looks much better than the scans suggest. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 58 BC.
Mint: Rome mint.
Size and Weight: Weighs 4.07 grams and is 18.5 mm diameter.
References: RCV 379; Crawford 422/1b; Sydenham 913; Aemilia 8 Provenance:Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 15, June 27, 2008 Lot 276, ex Albert M. Potts Collection, ex Munzen und Medaillen List 136 July 1954 Lot 212.
Condition: I would grade the coin as a nice very fine with dark toning and having all its details well preserved. The dark toning made it difficult to scan the coin and hence the multiple scans presented. The coin is much better than the scan suggest. It has some minor scratches as well as dark spots to the surface. The coins also has wear commensurate with its age and circulated status. A beautiful and definitely a quality coin with very nice eye appeal. Please see photo for additional condition information.
