Lot 3657

Description

Cn. Domitius Calvinus, silver denarius, issued 39 B.C., Osca Mint, 3.51 grams, C.532/1, S.1358, BMC Spain 109, Not in Sear, Obv. Head of Herakles to r., bearded, behind OSCA, Rev. Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and apex around DOM. COS. ITER.IMP. Nearly fine and very rare, (33).

The coinage of Provincial administrators are all rare and were issued in this period between Caesar's death and the stabilisation of the Empire under Octavian. The issue comes after the victory of Cn. Domitius Calvinus in Spain in 39 B.C. and although appointed by Octavian he makes no reference to him on his coinage. The obverse comes from the Iberian coinage of Osca and the reverse records his tenure of office as Pontifex.