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422
L. Marcius Philippus. Silver Denarius (3.99 g), 57 BC. Rome. ANCVS below, diademed head of Ancus
Marcius right; behind, lituus. Rev. PHILIPP-VS on left, equestrian statue right on arcade of five arches;
within arches, AQVA (MAR). Crawford 425/1; Sydenham 919; Marcia 18. Boldly struck, well centered,
and delicately toned. A superb example with much luster. NGC grade Ch AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.
Fine style.
$600
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
The obverse of portrays the diademed head of Ancus Marcius, the fourth King of Rome. He was the progenitor of the Marcia
gens
which had at least two branches, the Philippi and the Reges. Although L. Marcius Philippus belonged to the Philippi branch
of the Marcii, he appropriated an event from the Reges branch as it was the praetor Quintus Marcius Rex who built the Aqua
Marcia in 144-140 BC. Perhaps the moneyer was being a little devious to illustrate something he could not rightfully claim; the
man in the street probably would simply assume that it was the moneyer’s ancestor who had supplied Rome with it’s greatest
source of potable water.
Magnificent Mint State Denarius of Imperator Metellus Pius Scipio
423
Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and P. Licinius Crassus Junianus. Silver Denarius (3.93 g), 47-46 BC.
Utica. LEG PRO PR on left, CRASS IVN on right, turreted head of Utica right, between grain ear and
winged caduceus; above, uncertain object (aplustre?); below, rostrum. Rev. SCIP IMP on left, METEL
PIVS on right, trophy between lituus and capis. Crawford 460/3; HCRI 42; Sydenham 1049; Caecilia 52.
Boldly struck and perfectly centered with delicate iridescent tones. A marvelous specimen. NGC grade
MS*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
$2,500
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.