Lot 3365

Description

L. Cestius and C.Norbanus, (43 B.C.), gold aureus, Rome mint, (8.10 grams), obv. bust of Africa in elephant's skin to right, rev. L CESTIVS above curule chair C NORBA below and SC PR either side of chair, (S.11, Cr.491/1a, Syd.1153, B.Cestia 1). Slightly off centred on the obverse, otherwise good very fine and very rare.

This issue struck officially (senatus consulto) by the two Praetors of 43 B.C., has links to raised legions, two from Africa and one from Italy. It may have been used to pay the troops deployed against Octavian for the defence of Rome in the Summer of 43. Or alternatively the issue is one aimed at Caesarean soldiers and is an issue by the Senate in the interests of Octavian.