Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. T. Carisius. 46 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.92 g, 3h). Rome mint. Head of Sibyl Herophile right / Sphinx seated right. Crawford 464/1; CRI 69; Sydenham 983a; Carisia 11; RBW 1613. Light porosity and cleaning scratches, obverse die shift, reverse die break, graffito on obverse. Near VF.

This evocative type demonstrates that Roman moneyers were quite familiar with the legends and coin types of obscure Greek cities. The city of Gergis in Troas, near the site of ancient Troy, was said to be the birthplace of the Sibyl Herophile, a priestess with prophetic powers. Coins of the city struck circa 350-300 BC depict a head of the Sibyl on the obverse and a seated sphinx, symbol of prophecy, on the reverse. The types are repeated here, surely intended as a nod to the Trojan origins of Julius Caesar’s gens.

Closing Date and Time: 5 February 2025 at 12:42:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.