Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

M. Nonius Sufenas. Silver Denarius (4.1 g), 57 BC. Rome. SVFENAS before, [S C] behind, head of Saturn right; behind, harpa and conical stone. Reverse: SEX NON[I] 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. Old cabinet toning with blue iridescence. Extremely Fine.

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 $500 - 600.