Roman Empire - Antoninus Pius Denarius and Aurelian with Vabalathus Antonianus > Lot No. 299

Description:
161 AD. AR Denarius. Rome. Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXIIII, bare-headed, cuirassed bust right, seen from the back. Rev: LIBERALITAS AVG VIIII COS IIII, Liberalitas standing right, emptying coins out of cornucopia held in both hands. 274-275 AD. Aurelian and Vabalathus, AR Antoninianus. Antioch. Obv: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: VABALATHVS VCR IM DR, laureate draped bust of Vabalathus right. The mintmark / officina letter Gamma is beneath the bust of Aurelian, which is actually the reverse of the coin.

Measurements:
Silver, 3.38 grams; 4.02 grams.

Condition:
Extremely fine, very fine.

References:
RIC 311 var (bust type); RSC 530b; BMC 1009 note; Strack 383; cf Sear 4091. Very rare with this bust type. RIC V-1, 381 Antioch; Sear 11718. Scarce.

Comments notes:
This donative denarius marked the sharing of the consulate by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. It was the final event marked on his coinage and is a very rare issue.

Estimate: £60 - 90 (EUR 70 - 110; USD 90 - 140)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £130