Romeinse republiek - Sicinius Herculean implement in NGC-holder (JUN2346)

In NGC-holder

Q. SICINIUS and C. COPONIUS (49 BC). Denarius.

Obv: Q SICINIVS III VIR.

Diademed head of Apollo right; star below.

Rev: C COPONIVS PR S C.

Club of Hercules surmounted by lion skin; arrow to left, bow to right.

Crawford 444/1a.

Condition: extremely fine (CH XF)

Weight: 3.85 g.

Diameter: 19 mm.

This attractive type was struck to help finance Pompey's campaigns after fleeing Rome when Caesar was marching on the city, and was most likely issued at Ephesus, from where it borrowed the club and lion's skin type from the fractional cistophori of Asia Minor. The S C found on the coins was an attempt at legitimacy, and may have had senatorial approval, although from senators who had also fled Rome along with the Pompeian faction.