Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

C. Annius T.f. T.n., with L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis. Silver Denarius (3.93 g), 82-81 BC. Uncertain mint in northern Italy. C ANNIA TF TN PRO COS EX S C, diademed and draped bust of Annia Perenna right; behind, winged caduceus; below, X; before, scales. Reverse L FABI L F HISP in exergue, Victory, holding palm and reins, driving galloping quadriga right; above horses, Q. Crawford 366/1b; Sydenham 748a; Annia 2b. Unusually well struck and perfectly centered. Lustrous and lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.

Like the lot of Q. Antonius Balbus, the obverse markings here show that this issue was also struck ex senatus consulto. C. Annius was sent by the Senate against Q. Sertorius in Spain and took with him two questors, L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis and C. Tarquitius P.f. The fact he took two questors is only intelligible if the Senate had authorized as his province both Spains. The coins with the name of L. Fabius on the reverse were struck in northern Italy while still en route to Spain; those with the name C. Tarquitius were struck in Spain. L. Fabius later defected to Sertorius, for which he was proscribed.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
Ex Tkalec (29 February 2008), 119.