Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 1066. Closing Date: Jan 13, 2003. Sold For $5750 TACITUS. 275-276 AD. AV Heavy Aureus (6.51 gm). Siscia mint. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ROMAE AET-ERNAE, S C in exergue, Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory on globe and spear. Cf. RIC V 205 (Aureus; Cyzicus mint); Hunter -; Cohen -. Good VF, underlying luster. Unpublished and apparently unique. ($7500) Commonly attributed to Cyzicus and Antioch, recent hoard studies relegate all ROMAE AETERNAE reverses of this type to Siscia (cf., e.g., Estiot, pp. 26-29). The similar style of each mint during Tacitus’ reign may account for the earlier confusion. RIC and Cohen list a similar ROMAE AET-ERNAE aureus of Tacitus with radiate crown at Siscia, without S C in the exergue (cf. RIC V 174; Cohen 111). While the present coin’s weight is close enough to be called a binio (on the 70 per pound standard), it is uncertain whether the variance of weight standard was the result of an attempt to employ a new denomination or simply a matter of expediency during this chaotic time. By permisison of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.