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42 BC NGC Ch VF Regulus Roman Imperatorial Denarius Bestiari Gladiators Beasts Arena (24082803C)

Regular price $995.00

  • Choice Very Fine Moneyer Regulus Roman Imperatorial silver denarius coin.
  • Struck 42 BC at Rome.
  • Rare depiction of a bestiarii beast fighting scene in the arena.
  • Crawford 494/30, 3.93g, approx 18mm.
  • Obverse portrait is most likely Praetor Lucius Livineius Regulus, probably the moneyer's father, who was one of Julius Caesar's backers and partners in the 50s and 40s BC. 
  • The reverse scene is one type of popular entertainment that praetors (office just below consul) were supposed to present: a beast-fighting scene in the arena. While gladiators fought other men, bestiarii were a special class of combatant who fought and killed wild animals such as lions, bears and tigers for the public enjoyment.  
  • Obverse: Bare head of Regulus facing right.
  • Reverse: Arena beast-fighting scene: man attacking lion with spear in foreground, second man with shield and sword attacking panther in background, wounded boar on left,  L REGVLVS.
  • Certified by NGC to Ch VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 4/5.