Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

L. Cassius Longinus. Silver Denarius (3.89 g), 60 BC. Rome. Veiled and draped bust of Vesta left; below chin, S; behind, kylix. Reverse LONGIN III V, male figure standing left, dropping tablet inscribed V (Uti rogas) into cista. Crawford 413/1; Sydenham 935; Cassia 10. Well struck on a nice broad flan, well centered and lustrous, all lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.

This coin is interesting in that it appears to lack the personal and family names of the moneyer. However, appearances can be deceiving. On the obverse below the chin of Vesta is a control letter, and the only letters employed on this issue are C, A, S, I and L. If one collects enough coins of this moneyer, he can then spell the moneyer's name in full. But why might a moneyer do this? In the case of L. Cassius Longinus it appears to relate to the recent exposure and suppression of the Catiline conspiracy. One of the most notorious members of the conspiracy whose task it was to burn down the city of Rome was one L. Cassius Longinus, but not the same person as our moneyer!
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200.
Ex CNG 79 (17 September 2008), 939.