Lot 161: M. Nonius Sufenas. 57 B.C. AR denarius. Rome.

M. Nonius Sufenas. 57 B.C. AR denarius (19 mm, 3.76 g, 5 h). Rome. SVFENAS, bearded head of Saturn right; behind, harpa and conical stone / SEX· NONI · in exergue, PR · L V P · F around, Roma seated left on pile of arms, holding scepter and sword, crowned by Victory standing behind her. Cf. Crawford 421/1 (S C above head of Saturn); cf. Sydenham 885 (same); cf. Nonia 1 (same). Extremely rare variety or mint error lacking the S C on the obverse above the head of Saturn. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. Extremely fine.

Ex BVH Collection (Heritage 3015, 12 September 2011), 23250.

The obverse of this coin normally sports the letters S C (ex Senatus Consulto) above the head of Saturn on the obverse. It is unclear why they are lacking from this die, although it is likely that it was a mere omission by the engraver and not some indication that it's authorization by the Roman Senate had been rescinded.

The reverse of this coin is historically important in that it alone preserves the name of the praetor who first held the games, the ludi Victoriae Sullanae, in 81 B.C. honoring Sulla's victory at the Colline Gate. The abbreviated legend is normally read Sextus Nonius, praetor ludos victoriae primus fecit ("Sextus Nonius as praetor first held the games of Victory").

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 161
• Listing #: 200609
• Closed: Friday, September 13, 2019 4:53:20 PM CT
• Estimate: $200