Lot 2436

Description

Q. Pomponius Musa, (c.66 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.69 grams), obv. Apollo laureate head to right, sceptre behind, rev. Melpomene standing facing, head turned right, holding club and mask, Q. POMPONI on right, MVSA on left, (cf.S.293 [£225], Cr.410/4, Syd.816, B. Pomponia 14 [£140]). Off centred, extremely fine and very rare.

Ex Albert Oertel Collection, Adolph E. Cahn Frankfurt Sale 32, March 17, 1913 (lot 716), bought by Virgil Michael Brand for his Collection (1861-1926), then to grand-daughter Jane Brand Allen (d.1981), Sotheby's London, February 1-2, 1984 (lot 353 illustrated). The Musa types are always collected because of their association with the arts. Melpomene was the Muse of tragedy and is potrayed on this coin with her attributes. Less than 10 dies were utilised for this type according to the study by Crawford.