Lot 4753

Description

M. Aemilius Scaurus and P. Plautius Hypsaeus, (c.58 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.93 g), obv. king Aretas kneeling beside camel to right, M.SCAVR and AED CVR above, [REX ARETAS] in exergue, [EX] to left, S[C] to right, rev. Jupiter in quadriga to left, P.HYPSAE / AED CVR above, CAPTV on right, C.HYPSAE COS/ PREIVER in exergue, scorpion below horses, (S.379, Cr.422/1b, Syd.913, RSC Aemilia 8). Attractive light patina, slightly off centred on obverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine and very scarce.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection and previously from CNG with their ticket.
The extraordinary obverse type commemorates the surrender to Scaurus of the Nabataean king Aretas III in 62 BC. This coin represents the first instance of a moneyer portraying an event from his own career on the coinage. M. Aemilius, as governor of Syria, repressed the incursions of the Nabatean Arabs and compelled their king, Aretas, to submit and pay a fine, Pub. Plautius was curule aedile with him in 58 BC.
Pompey captured Jurusalem and his lieutenant Scaurus received the surrender of Aretas, the king of the neighbouring Nabataeans which is depicted on this coin. It is said that this 'king' had to pay a fine of 300 talents. This denarius shows him kneeling besides his camel, which probably represents wealth to the inhabitants of that part of the world as it would have done to their decendants until very recently.