Lot 4344

Description

Tacitus, (A.D. 275-276), gold aureus, Tripolis mint (6.582 grams), obv. laureate draped and cuirassed bust to right of Tacitus, around IMP C M C L TACITVS AVG, rev. Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy, pellet in exergue, around P M TB P VI COS II P P, (cf.S.3298, RIC -, C.-, cf.Estiot 'Aurelian et Tacite: Monnaies d'or et faux modernes BSFN 9 [1990] fig. 4 same obverse die). Gilt and ex jewellery, otherwise choice good very fine and excessively rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Sale 63 (lot 1519). Estiot asserts that this remarkable coin is based on the final issues at Tripolis by Aurelian since it contained the exact reverse legend and type (cf.MIR pl.143 384d). The other known authentic example is in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and its reverse die is linked to this issue. Estiot identified those features of the false reverse dies which make their identification possible the TB P is reverted to TR P and there is no pellet on the reverse on the false coins. The present coin, however still retains the TB P and pellet, making it the second known authentic specimen. The forgeries are copies of this and the Hermitage coin or of another unpublished example. Truely a very remarkable coin. (abridged from CNG Sale 63, lot 1519 footnote).