Very Rare Currency

Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC


Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC
Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC
Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC
Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC
Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC

Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC    Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC
Type: Denarius (AR), mint of Rome. Weight: 3.71 g (see scale photo). Rarity / References: R3 - B. 1 (Numonia); BMC/RR 4216; CRR 1087; RRC 514/2; RSC 1; Sear RCV 502; CRI 322; MRR 1629; RBW 1792.

Bare male head facing right, circular border of dots. In the exergue: Soldier in military dress, round shield with umbo, spear in hand, storming a vallum defended by two soldiers (a very spectacular siege scene). This type is reputed to be much rarer than general reference works suggest.

Fewer than about 30 obverse dies and 33 reverse dies are recorded for this type. The identification of the obverse portrait is debated, sometimes linked to Vaala. Some see a stylistic relationship with the Rhône bust displayed at the Arles Antique departmental museum. Condition / observations (based on photos): Irregular flan (typical of Republican strikes), slight edge flaw and minor circulation marks/scratches. Reverse well legible, siege scene identifiable; legends partially visible depending on the area of the flan.

Authentic-looking coin and very interesting for a “Late Republic / Civil Wars” collection.
Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC    Denarius of C. Numonius Vaala, RRC 514/2, Very rare (R3), Rome, c. 43–41 BC