Roman Silver & Bronze - Republic

Sale 126    23–25 Mar 2021   Dixson Room, State Library of NSW   Sydney

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Lot 2900    SESSION 12 (11.30AM THURSDAY 25TH MARCH)    Roman Silver & Bronze - Republic

Estimate $150
Bid at live.noble.com.au

SARDINIA, Uselis, M. Atius Balbus, as praeter of Sardinia, AE semis, (after c.38 B.C.), (6.13 g), probably Uselis mint, obv. M ATIVS BALBUS PR, head to left, rev. parts of SARD [PATER], helmeted head of Sardus Pater to right, spear at shoulder, (RPC 625, BMC 1-4, SNG Cop. 1112-3, McClean 3066). Very fine/good very fine with obverse some surface pitting, rare.

Ex CNG private purchase January 24, 2004.
The coinage of M. Atius Balbus is found only in southwestern Sardinia and much has been written on it. The series is generally poorly struck and often worn. Some barbarous specimens are also known. Balbus probably was the provincial governor after Octavian's occupation of Sardinia in 38 B.C. Grant believed that Balbus was the founder of Uselis. RPC lists many examples in various collections. The weight range of these examples range from 3.29 grams to nearly 10 grams. The examples above is the best from a small hoard found many years ago.

Estimate / sale price does not include buyer's premium (currently 22% including GST) which is added to hammer price. All bids are executed on the understanding that the Terms & Conditions of sale have been read and accepted. For information on grading and estimates please refer to the Buying at Auction advice.

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  • Lot 2900   This lot

    SARDINIA, Uselis, M. Atius Balbus, as praeter of Sardinia, AE semis, (after c.38 B.C.), (6.13 ...

    Estimate $150

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