Lot 3345

Description

P. Porcius Laeca, (110-109 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.764 grams), obv. Roma helmeted head right, ROMA above, X below chin, P. LAECA behind, rev. roman warrior standing left, placing hand on head of citizen, lictor behind, PROVOC[O] in exergue, (S.178 [£185 EF], Cr.301/1, Syd.571, Porcia 4); M. Cato, (c.89 B.C.), silver denarius, (3.848 grams), Rome mint, obv. female bust draped right, M. CATO below, rev. Victory seated right, holding patera VICTRIX in exergue, (S.247, Cr.343/1b, Syd. 596, Porcia 5). Both weak in places, fine and scarce. (2)

The first an important reverse type illustrating the principle of provacatio, a procedure by which a citizen had a right to appeal to the people against the decision of a magistrate which he considered to be an abuse of official power.