Lot 3486
Jewish Reference Coins. M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, moneyers. Silver Denarius, ca. 58 BCE. King Aretas of Nabataea kneels to right with palm branch in left hand, alongside camel. Reverse: Jupiter drives quadriga left and hurls thunderbolt; scorpion below horses. Hendin 1441; Craw. 422/1b; Sear 378. Attractive iridescent tone. Extremely Fine.
This commemorates the defeat of King Aretas by Pompey's general Marcus Scaurus. Aretas supported John Hyrcanus II in his battles against his brother, Aristobulus II. In 58 BCE, Aretas was required to surrender and pay a fee of 300 talent to Pompey. Pub. Plautius was curule aedile with M. Ameilius at this time; therefore, this coin is among the earliest references of a Roman moneyer to commemorate an event from his own history.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
Ex Superior's The Frank Grove and Robert Grover Collections, June 11-12, 1986, lot 1674 The Arden Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $322 |
