ROMAN. M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. 57 BC. Silver Denarius (3.93g). Rome mint. Helmeted and draped bust right, with attributes of Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana, and Victory; cornucopiae below chin / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt with wings spread, head left. Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; Plaetoria 4. Lustrous and lightly toned. Superb EF. Crawford dismisses the old idea that the obverse bust shows Vacuna, following J. P. Morel's arguments (MEFR 1962, 25-29). A. Alfoldi has instead suggested Isis (SM 1954, 30-31), which may be closer to the mark. In truth, the identification remains uncertain, since the female figure borrows traits from several deities at once: Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana, and Victory all seem to leave their mark on this enigmatic portrait. (P)

Estimate: AUD 2500