Obverse: L. MANLI before, PRO. Q. behind, head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, earring and necklace, hair in three locks behind.

Reverse: L. SVLLA. IMP in exergue, Sulla, togate, driving triumphal quadriga right, holding branch and reins; above, Victory flying left crowning Sulla with laurel wreath

Sydenham 757. RBW 1386. Crawford 367/5. [mint travelling with Sulla, 82 BC].

Diameter: 17 mm. Weight: 4.05 g.

A superb silver denarius struck for the famous dictator in 82 BC towards the end of Romes first full-scale civil war. As consul for the year 88 BC, Sulla was awarded the lucrative assignment of suppressing the revolt of Mithradates VI of Pontus. Unfortunately for Sulla political manoeuvres resulted in this assignment being transferred to his enemy Marius. In response, Sulla turned his legions on Rome, captured the city, and reclaiming his command against Mithradates. His prosecution of the first Mithridatic War was successful, but he spared the Pontic king for personal gain. In 83 BC, Sulla returned to Italy as an outlaw, but he quickly gained widespread support amongst the Roman elite. In less than a year he had fought his way to Rome, destroyed his opposition and been elected dictator. It was during the final march on Rome this denarius was struck, probably at a mint travelling with Sulla. The obverse reinforces Sulla's claim to be acting in Rome's best interest. The reverse depicts Sulla during the celebration of a triumph at Rome. After the war in late 82 BC, finally secure in his position - Sulla assumed the name Felix in belief in his own luck! A stunning example of this historically important coin, well centred with extremely fine detail and subtle cabinet toning. Ex. Germania Inferior Numismatics – sold with ticket.