145: Rome. Crispus, as Caesar, 316-326 AD. Gold Solidus

$32,000.00
May-26-08 10:00:00 PDT   

Rome. Crispus, as Caesar, 316-326 AD. Gold Solidus (4.35 g), 
Sirmium mint, struck 321 AD. Laureate, nude heroic bust of 
Crispus to left, seen partially from behind, with shield held 
by a baldric over his left shoulder and a spear held before 
him. Reverse: Victoria seated right on cuirass, inscribing VOT 
/ X on round shield resting on her knee and supported by Cupid 
standing to left; VICTORIA CRISPI CAES, in exergue SIRM. 
Bastien, Buste, pl. 183, 4 var; Bastien, Donativa, p. 77, k; 
Biaggi -; C. --; Depeyrot 6/3; RIC 33; Vagi 3162. Splendidly 
lustrous, with wonderful surfaces. A remarkable portrait bust 
of great beauty and dignity. Extremely rare, perhaps the 
second known example. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated. 
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000. 
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, no. 138; 
ex collection of N.B. Hunt, III, Sotheby's, 4 December 1990, 
109. 

Our item number 115794

Images & text re-used by permission, courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, Beverly Hills, CA