Lot 3610

Description

Lucius Aurelius Cotta, silver denarius, issued 105 B.C., Rome mint, 3.84 grams, C.314/1c, S.577a, Sear Aurelia 21b (p.18), Cf.BMC 1305-1311, Obv. Draped bust of Vulcan r. wearing laureate pileus, tongs and * behind all within myrtle-wreath, Rev. Eagle on thunderbolt to r. head turned back, H to r. below wing, L COT in exergue all within laurel wreath; another Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius (as Imperator), silver denarius, issued 81 B.C., Northern Italy Mint, 3.70 grams, C.374/2, S.751, BMC Spain 47, Sear Caecilia 44 (p.21), Obv. Diademed head of Pietas to r. stork before Pietas, Rev. IMPER in exergue, Lituus and jug with handle, all in laurel wreath. Both nearly very fine, first with serrated edge and both with off centred obverses (11, 13). (2)

The issue by Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius was made while serving as a Sullan commander in the fight against Carrinas, Norbanus & Carbo. The head type of Pietas was selected in recognition of the title of Pius which Metellus received when he besought the people of Rome to recall his father from banishment.