Lot 283: C. Servilius Vatia. Restored Issue of 82-80 BC. AR Denarius. Rome mint.

C. Servilius Vatia. Restored Issue of 82-80 BC. AR Denarius (17mm - 3.82 g). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right; lituus and B behind, XVI (monogram) below chin, ROMA below / Horseman galloping right, holding a round shield inscribed with an M, spearing another horseman; C. SERVEIL in exergue. Crawford 370/1b; Sydenham 720; Servilia 7. VF, attractive light toning. Scarce.

From the Ivar Gault Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group E-276, lot 336 (@$780).

The M on the shield identifies the horseman as M. Servilius Pulex Geminus who was elected augur in 211 BC (an office he held for 40 years) and consul in 202 BC. He is said to have received wound in 23 single combats (Plutarch), and to have been victorious in all.

• Offered By: VAuctions
• Lot #: 283
• Listing #: 181183
• Closed: Friday, January 31, 2014 6:21:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $300
• Collection: Ivar Gault