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Crawford 465/8, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Considius Paetus, AR Sestertius
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Rome. Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Considius Paetus, 46 BCE.
AR Sestertius (0.89g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: C·CONSIDIVS; winged bust of Cupid facing right.
Reverse: Two filleted cornucopiae on globe.
References: Crawford 465/8a; Sydenham 997 (R6); Banti 31/3 (this coin illustrated); BMCRR 4097; Considia 10.
Provenance: Ex Professor Hildebrecht Hommel Collection [Dr. Busso Peus Auction 422 (26 Apr 2018), Lot 192]; Kress Auction 137 (1966), Lot 254.
The moneyer is not known except for his coins. The type is rare, with Crawford counting an aggregate of 13 obverse and 14 reverse dies for two varieties of the type. The meaning of the type is pro-Caesar, with Cupid on the obverse relating to Venus and referring to the Julia gens' mythical descent from that deity; and the cornucopiae and globe on the reverse referring to domination. The silver sestertius, equal in value to a quarter denarius, was originally established with the adoption of the denarius system in circa 212 BCE. However, the denomination soon ceased, perhaps because reduction in the size and weight of the bronze coinage during the Second Punic War made tiny silver coinage less convenient than reasonably sized bronzes. The silver sestertius was revived in 91 BCE with the adoption of the Lex Papiria, and therefore AR sestertii of 91-90 BCE, which are rare, bear the legend E.L.P. (e lege Papiria). This revival was short-lived and the silver denomination would again sink into obscurity until revived a final time during the Imperatorial era. The reason for the attempted revivals of this silver denomination may be that the Roman unit of account had changed from the as to the sestertius when the denarius was re-tariffed at 16 asses in circa 141 BCE. Ultimately, Augustus would restore the sestertius denomination as a large bronze coin.
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