Lot 4402
Labienus, Imperator Parthicus. Silver Denarius (3.7g) minted in Asia Minor (likely at Antioch), 40 BC. Q LABIENVS PARTHICVS IMP. Bare head of Labienus facing right. Reverse: Saddled horse standing right. Cr.524/2; Syd.1357; RSC 2. Trivial banker's mark on cheek. Some old test digs and hairlines on the reverse. Clear and well-centered types with lovely antique grey toning. Overall, A decent example of this important and historical coin. Very rare. About Very Fine. Very rare. Since he was a traitor to Rome, Labienus' coinage was melted down with only a handful surviving.
This very rare issue was produced early in 40 BC in Syria or southeastern Asia Minor in the name of the imperator Quintus Labienus, son of the Pompeian general Titus Labienus who had fallen in battle against Julius Caesar in 45 BC. In the winter of 43/42 BC Quintus had been sent by the tyrannicide Cassius to the court of Orodes II to gain the active support of the Parthians in the struggle of the Republican faction against the triumviral government in Rome. The defeat of the Republican leaders Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in October 42 BC left Labienus stranded in Parthia without a cause. Feeling he had nothing more to lose, he persuaded Pacorus, son of Orodes, to join him in a military adventure. They invaded Syria where they overcame the Roman governor Decidius Saxa whose legions deserted to the rebel cause. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Mark Antony, who had been dallying with Cleopatra in Alexandria, dispatched his trusted general Ventidius to deal with the crisis, which had now spread into Asia Minor. Ventidius quickly achieved the victory over Labienus and had him put to death, and Pacorus suffered the same fate the following year.
The coinage of Labienus comprises gold aurei and silver denarii. It was probably all struck on a single occasion, perhaps for the purpose of a donative to the legions of Saxa.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $8,050 |
