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Crawford 494/39, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus, AR Denarius
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Rome, The Imperators.
L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.72g; 16mm).
Rome mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: Wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.
Reverse: L·MVSSIDIVS·LONGVS; caduceus on globe, flanked by rudder, cornucopia and apex.
References: Crawford 494/39a; HCRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Mussidia 8; Julia 58.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3087 (17 Dec 2020) Lot 30041; Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (d. 1975) Collection [Nomos Obolos 9 (25 Mar 2018) Lot 108]; acquired before 1975.
The moneyer is not otherwise known to history. Struck during the lead-up to Phillipi, the coin certainly reflects favor on the Caesarian side of the conflict, with the portrait of the late dictator on the obverse and devices referring to Caesar’s accomplishments on the reverse. The rudder and globe refer to Caesar’s military success and imperium over land and sea. The apex refers to his position as Pontifex Maximus. The cornucopia and caduceus allude to the blessings and happiness that Caesar bestowed on Rome. Multiple legend arrangements appear on this type, with curved and straight-line arrangements sometimes above, beside and below the devices.
The obverse fields show some raised striations, possibly caused from die cleaning or otherwise preparing the die for use. Other examples from the same obverse die show similar field striations.
This coin comes from the Stöcklin Collection, sold by Nomos over a series of auctions beginning with Nomos 14 in 17 May 2017. The collection consisted of ancient coins assembled over three generations in the family by Sebastian Roš (1839-1917), his son-in-law Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (1888-1975) and grandson Dr. Walter M. Stöcklin (d. 1981).
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