L. Papius Celsus.. AR Denarius, 45 BC

Lot # 402

L. Papius Celsus. AR Denarius, 45 BC. Obv. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat's skin. Rev. CELSVS III VIR. She-wolf right, placing stick on fire; on right, eagle fanning flames with its wings; in exergue, L. PAPIVS. RRSC D261.1; Cr. 472/1; B. 2. AR. 3.68 g. 17 mm. Scarce. Well centred and good example of this fascinating issue. Peripheral areas of weak strike. About EF. The reverse depicts the legendary foundation of Lanuvium. As Aeneas and his Trojan followers were engaged in constructing the city, they saw a blaze in a nearby wood. The fire was kindled by a she-wolf feeding branches onto a brazier, while an eagle fanned the flames with its wings. According to the tradition, a fox (not shown here) attempted in vain to put out the fire by dipping its tail into a stream, but was driven away by the wolf and the eagle. From this, Aeneas understood that the new settlement would gain renown, though it would face the envy of its neighbours—yet ultimately it would triumph.

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Starting price: € 150

Currently: € 150

Number of bids: 1

Minimum bid: € 160

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B.P.: 20.00%

Closing on: 2025-10-24 14:00:00 Roma time