28
3038
M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. Silver Denarius (3.99 g), 68-67 BC.
Rome. CES-
TIANVS, head of Cybele right; behind, forepart of lion; below chin, globe.
Reverse:
M PLAETORIVS AED CVR EX S C, curule chair; in left field, a barley corn (an
unlisted control symbol). Crawford 409/2; Sydenham 808; Plaetoria 3. Well struck
on a large size flan with delicate iridescent toning on both sides.
Superb Extremely
Fine.
Although Hersh and Walker dated this issue to 57 BC based on their interpreta-
tion of the evidence from the Mesagne hoard, they failed to note that the dates
of Cestianus’ curule aedileship are secured by Cicero’s speech, Pro Cluentio,
which was read in 66 BC. Cicero says in his speech that he had argued the
case of Decimus Matrinius, a man who had been degraded to a lower order
by the censors of 70 BC, before the curule aediles Cestianus and Flaminius.
This secures their aedileship to between 70 and 67 BC, and for other reasons
Cestianus could not have been curule aedile in either 70 or 69 BC.
The types of this coin refer to the Ludi Megalesiaci, games which honored the
goddess Cybele, and were presented by the curule aediles.
For further discussion for his moneyer’s coin types, see the lot with the non-AED
CVR denarius below.
Estimated Value .......................................................................................... $700 - 800
Ex Kirk Davis List 54 (October 2008), 45; William C. Boyd Collection, with Boyd’s
original collection ticket showing that he purchased the coin from Spink in 1891.
3039
M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. Silver Denarius (3.65
g), 68-67 BC.
Rome. CESTIANVS, head of Cybele
right; behind, forepart of lion; below chin, globe.
Re-
verse:
M PLAETORIVS AED CVR EX S C, curule chair;
in left field, rudder. Crawford 409/2; Sydenham 808;
Plaetoria 3. Boldly struck and perfectly centered. A su-
perb example and delicately toned.
Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value................................................... $700 - 800
Ex Tkalec (27 October 2011), 149.
