Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

C. Postumius At.? or Ta.? Silver Denarius (3.8 g), 73 BC. Rome. Draped bust of Diana right, hair tied into knot at back of head, bow and quiver at shoulder. Reverse C POSTVMI / (TA) or (AT), hound running right; below, spear. Crawford 394/1a; Sydenham 785; Postumia 9. Well struck and nicely centered, all toned. Extremely Fine.

It is possible that the monogram found in the exergue of the reverse on this coin may resolve as Tatius. On coins of both L. Titurius Sabinus and T. Vettius Sabinus the same monogram occurs in conjunction with the head of the Sabine king, Tatius, but the surname TA or AT is otherwise unknown for the Postumia gens. It is possible that the Postumii, undoubtedly one of Rome's most ancient families, claimed descent from the Sabine king.
Estimated Value $700 - 800.
Ex Goldberg 59 (1-2 June 2010), 2319; Frederick H. Rindge Collection, pt. I (Malter XXIX, 22 March 1985), 489.