Lot 3361

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, RSC 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, RSC Porcia 5); Q. Titius, (c.90 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.848 grams), obv. head of Mutinus Titinus to right with diadem, rev. Q.TITI on tablet from which springs Pegasus to right, (S.238, Cr.341/1, Syd.691, RSC Titia 1); others similar (3.578 grams and 3.880 grams), obv. Bacchus wearing ivy wreath to right, rev. similar, (S.239, Cr.341/2, Syd. 692, RSC Titia 2); Gargilius, Ogulnius and Vergilius, (c.86 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.730, 3.846, 3.930, 3.494 grams), obv. Jupiter (or Apollo Vejovis) head to right, with oak wreath, thunderbolt below, rev. Jupiter in quadriga to right, (S.266, Cr.350A/2, Syd.723, RSC i) 226). Most have weakness in places, very good - very fine. (9)

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 77, lots 3345, 3379, 3406. The first coin 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.