Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

M. Nonius Sufenas. Silver Denarius (4.09 g), 57 BC. Rome. SVFENAS before, S C behind, head of Saturn right; behind, harpa and conical stone. Reverse SEX NONI in exergue, PR L V P F around, Roma seated left on cuirass and shield, holding spear, crowned by Victory standing to left behind her, holding palm. Crawford 421/1; Sydenham 885; Nonia 1. Boldly struck, well centered and finely detailed. Lustrous surfaces. Mint State.

The reverse of this coin is historically important in that it alone preserves the name of the praetor who first held the games, the ludi Victoriae Sullanae, in 81 BC honoring Sulla's victory at the Colline Gate. The abbreviated legend is normally read Sextus Nonius, praetor ludos victoriae primus fecit ("Sextus Nonius as praetor first held the games of Victory").
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Ex NAC 40 (16 May 2007), 496.