Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

Q. Antonius Balbus. Silver Denarius (4.01 g), 83-82 BC. Rome. S C behind, laureate head of Jupiter right; below A and pellet. Reverse Q (ANT)O B(AL)B / PR in two lines in exergue, Victory, holding wreath and palm, driving galloping quadriga right. Crawford 364/1c; Sydenham 742b; Antonia 1. A boldly struck example, perfectly centered. Lustrous and lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.

Q. Antonius Balbus was a Marian loyalist who was appointed praetor in Sardinia in 82 B.C. The obverse marking S C shows the issue was struck ex senatus consulto, that is, by special decree of the Senate, and presumably forms part of the preparations to resist the return of Sulla. Balbus was subsequently defeated at his post in Sardinia by Sulla's legate, L. Philippus, and died in the battle.
Estimated Value $700 - 800.
Ex Elsen 106 (11 September 2010), 301.