Lot 4490

Description

Cn. Domitius Calvinus, (39 B.C.), silver denarius, Osca Mint, (3.51 g), obv. Head of Herakles to right, bearded, behind OSCA, rev. Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and apex around DOM. COS. ITER.IMP, (S.1524, C.532/1, BMC Spain 109). Nearly fine and very rare.

Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 107 (lot 3570) and also coming from an old Hungarian collection.
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.