Lot 3636

Description

T. Vettius Sabinus, silver denarius, issued 70 B.C., Rome Mint, 3.90 grams, C.404/1, S.905, BMC 3370, Sear Vettia 2 (p.96), Obv. Head of Tatius to r. TA(ligated) below under chin, to l. SABINVS, and to r. S.C, border of dots, Rev. Togate figure holding sceptre, in walking biga to l. IVDEX above but mostly off flan, in exergue T. VETTIVS. Serrated edge, toned, off centred reverse, very fine, rare, (68).

The moneyer was probably the praetor in 59 B.C., who received Africa as his province. The head of Tatius, king of the Sabines, refers to the claim of his family to Sabine origin. The meaning of the reverse is not certain but may refer to Spurius Vettius, the interrex, who supported the election of Numa.