Lot 3611

Description

C. Fabius C.f. Hadrianus, silver denarius, issued 102 B.C., 3.99 grams, Rome Mint, Crawford 322/1b, Sydenham 590, Cf.BMC 1602-3, B.Fabia 14, Obv. Veiled and turreted head of Cybele to r., behind EX.A.PV, dotted border, Rev. Victory in biga, holding reins in l. hand and goad in r., below bird to r., and under horses ./N/. (Latin die number), exergue C.FABI.C.F, dotted border. Lightly toned, nearly extremely fine and rare, (1442).

Ex C. Pitchfork Collection and previously from Dolphin Coins, England, November 16, 1986.

The legend 'Ex argento publico' shows that this coinage was exceptional in that the bullion for it was taken from the public treasury. The moneyer can be identified with the praetor of 84 B.C. of this name.