Lot 3754

Description

M. Cato, (c.89 B.C.), silver denarius, (3.82 grams), Rome mint, obv. female bust draped right, ROMA monogram behind, M. CATO below, rev. Victory seated right, holding patera and palm, VICTRIX in exergue, (S.247, Cr.343/1b, Syd. 596, Porcia 5). Old cabinet toning with golden highlights, some light surface pitting, otherwise very fine / good very fine or better and scarce.

The seated figure is presumably Victoria Virgo, whose shrine was built by Cato Censorius. This type was revived more than four decades later by Cato Uticensis in his support of the Pompeians against Caesar.