Lot 3099

Description

Sardinia, Uselis, M. Atius Balbus, as praeter of Sardinia, AE semis, (after c.38 B.C.), (7.202, 6.320, 4.898, 4.816, 3.844 grams), obv. portions of M ATIVS BALBUS PR, head to left, rev. parts of SARD PATER, helmeted head of Sardus Pater to right, spear at shoulder, (RPC 625, BMC 1-4, SNG Cop. 1112-3, McClean 3066). Poor - fine, very scarce. (5)

The coinage of M. Atius Balbus is found only in southwestern Sardinia and much has been written on it. The series is generally poorly struck and often worn. Some barbarous specimens are also known. Balbus probably was the provincial governor after Octavian occupation of Sardinia in 38 B.C. Grant believed that Balbus was the founder of Uselis. RPC lists many examples in various collections. The weight range of these examples range from 3.29 grams to nearly 10 grams. The examples above from a small hoard fall within the expected range.