Lot 3590

Description

Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, silver denarius, 128 B.C., 3.85 grams, Rome Mint, Crawford 261/1, Sydenham 514, BMC 1025, B. Domitia 14, Obv. Head of Roma r. helmeted, below chin *, and ear of corn behind, dotted border, Rev. Victory in biga r. above ROMA, a man attacking a lion below, in exergue CN. DOM. Toned, very fine and rare, (1462).

Ex C. Pitchfork Collection and previously from Mark Vincenzi, England, October 2, 1978.

The moneyer is either a Cn. Domitius Calvinius or Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, but is generally regarded as the later. The reverse relates to the defeat in 121 B.C. of the Gallic tribes under Bituitus by the moneyer's father. In this engagement Bituitus is said to have sent packs of enormous hounds against the Roman soldiers in order to frighten them.