Lot 5260

Description

L. Plautius Plancus, (47 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.86 grams), obv. mask of Medusa, facing, hair dishevelled, rosettes and wings above forehead, coiled serpents at sides of face, L.PLAVTIVS below, rev. Aurora flying to right, conducting the four horses of the sun, PLANCVS below, (S.429, Cr.453/1a, Syd.959, RSC Plautia 15). Off centre on obverse and reverse, superb portrait of Medusa with well defined snakes at sides of face, artistic detail of horses on reverse, nearly extremely fine and rare in this condition.

Ex Freeman & Sear with ticket. The skilled die engraver has added small rosettes above Medusa’s hair in an artistic flourish that completes the accomplished portrait.