Lot 4426

Description

Lucius Aurelius Cotta, (105 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.84 g), obv. draped bust of Vulcan right wearing laureate pileus, tongs and * behind all within myrtle-wreath, rev. Eagle on thunderbolt to right head turned back, H to right below wing, L COT in exergue all within laurel wreath, (S.191, C.314/1c, Cf.BMC 1305-1311, RSC Aurelia 21b [p.18]); another Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius (as Imperator), (81 B.C.), silver denarius, Northern Italy Mint, (3.70 g), obv. diademed head of Pietas to right stork before Pietas, rev. IMPER in exergue, Lituus and jug with handle, all in laurel wreath, (S.302, C.374/2, BMC Spain 47, RSC Caecilia 44 [p.21]). Both nearly very fine, first with serrated edge and both with off centred obverses. (2)

Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 107 (lot 3610) and also coming from an old Hungarian collection.
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.