RS94477. Silver denarius, RSC III 664b, RIC IV 354 (S) var. (bust), BMCRE p. 294, 710 var. (same); Hunter III -, SRCV II -,
VF, excellent bust (scarce type unique to Laodicea), well centered, some legend weak, light marks, scrape at obv. 2:30, Laodicea ad Mare (Latakia, Syria) mint, weight 3.265g, maximum diameter 19.3mm, die axis 180
o, 199 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate and cuirassed boy's bust right, slight drapery (paludamentum) on far shoulder, breastplate decorated with small facing head of medusa (gorgoneion); reverse VIRT AVGG (valor of the two emperors), Virtus standing half-left, wearing crested helmet and military garb, Victory on globe holding palm frond and offering wreath in Virtus' right hand, inverted spear in left hand; from an Israeli collection, ex Bertolami Fine Arts (UK);
very scarce bust;
SOLD