Lot 4603

Description

Hostilian, (A.D. 251), AE sestertius, Rome mint, (13.36 g), obv. bare headed bust of Hostilian to right, around the legend C VALEN[S HOSTIL MES] QVINTVS N C, rev. Apollo seated to left, holding a branch and resting elbow on lyre, around PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, around, S C in exergue, (S.9574, RIC 215a, C.31). Squarish flan, cutting off part of the obverse legend, however a superb bust with a delightful dark olive-green patina, as struck, extremely fine and very rare in this condition.

Ex Italo Vecchi, London Sale No.1, February 1-2, 1996 (lot 712 est.?550) and Noble Numismatics Sale 66 (lot 3684) (realised $750).