63 / 184
1169
L. Mussidius Longus. Silver Denarius (3.95 g), 42 BC. Rome. Radiate and draped bust of Sol facing slightly
right. Rev. [L MV]SSIDIVS LONGVS, circular ornamented platform with trellis-pattern balustrade
inscribed CLOACIN, surmounted by two statues of Venus Cloacina, each resting hand on cippus; on left,
flight of steps and portico. (Crawford 494/43a; HCRI 189; Sydenham 1094; Mussidia 7). Old iridescent
cabinet toning. Choice very fine.
$ 750
This denarius celebrates a shrine to one of the more unlikely patron deities of the Roman pantheon: Venus Cloacina - the Venus
who protected the sewer system (the Cloaca Maxima) of Rome. The Cloaca Maxima was said to have been built under the Etruscan
kings, Tarquinius Priscus and Tarquinius Superbus, as a means of draining the swampland around the city’s seven hills. In order to
protect the drainage system the Sabine king Titus Tatius was said to have erected a shrine to honor Cloacina, the spirit of the sewer
who came to be identified with Venus in the Republican period. By some bizarre twist, the composite goddess Venus Cloacina
was ultimately recognized as having two spheres of authority: the protection of the sewers, and the protection of the marital bed.
Apparently the Roman Republican mind spent more time in the gutter than is usually admitted.
1170
L. Livineius Regulus. Silver Denarius (3.97 g), 42 BC. Rome. L REGVLVS PR, bare head of the praetor L.
Livineius Regulus right. Rev. [REGVLVS F] above, PRAEF VR in exergue, curule chair between two fasces.
(Crawford 494/31; HCRI 180; Sydenham 1113; Livineia 8). Nice cabinet toning with slight iridescence. A
little softly struk at part of edge. Extremely fine.
$ 600