Lot 255: C. Annius T.f. T.n., with L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis. 82-81 B.C. AR denarius. Uncertain mint in northern Italy.

C. Annius T.f. T.n., with L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis. 82-81 B.C. AR denarius (19 mm, 3.77 g, 4 h). Uncertain mint in northern Italy. C · ANNIA · T · F · T· N · PRO · COS · EX · S · C, diademed and draped bust of Anna Perenna right; behind, winged caduceus; below, carnyx; before, scales / L · FABI · L · F · HISP in exergue, Victory, holding palm and reins, driving galloping quadriga right; above horses, Q ·. Crawford 366/1a; Sydenham 748; Annia 2a. Very fine.

The obverse marking EX S C shows the issue was struck ex senatus consulto, that is, by special decree of the Senate, and presumably forms part of the preparations to resist the return of Sulla. C. Annius was sent by the Senate against Q. Sertorius in Spain and took with him two questors, L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis and C. Tarquitius P.f. The fact he took two questors is only intelligible if the Senate had authorized as his province both Spains. The coins with the name of L. Fabius on the reverse were struck in northern Italy while still en route to Spain; those with the name C. Tarquitius were struck in Spain. L. Fabius later defected to Sertorius, for which he was proscribed.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 255
• Listing #: 234141
• Closed: Friday, June 3, 2016 7:07:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $100