SOLD
450,000.00CHF+ (74,250.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Mar 24 @ 11:32UTC+1
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The Roman Republic. Quintus Labienus Parthicus. Aureus, mint moving with Labienus in Asia Minor 40, AR 8.15g. Q·LABIENVS·–PARTHICVS·IMP Bare head of Labienus r. Rev. Parthian horse r., with bridle and saddle, to which bow case and quiver are attached. Babelon Atia 2. C 1. Bahrfeldt 69. And pl. VII,23 (these dies). Sydenham 1356. Sear Imperators 340. C. Hersh, SNR 59, 1980, p. 46,1 and C/21. Crawford 524/1. Berk 40 (these dies). Calicó 70. Of the highest rarity, apparently only five specimens known. A magnificent portrait, well struck on a full flan. Good extremely fine. The imperatorial age was a bounty for ambitious commanders, as anyone who could lead men in battle was a prized commodity. Loyalty was not always the most valued trait in this environment, for on many occasions defections were not only sensible, but invited, and rewarded. We tend to degrade traitors in the historical tradition, but we often are not privy to the multitude of factors these men faced, which ranged from subtle personality conflicts to unexpected political or military developments. In this charitable light, perhaps, we should judge Labienus, one of the vigorous commanders from this chaotic chapter in Roman history. Originally Brutus and Cassius had sent Labienus to Parthia to seek support for their cause from king Orodes II, but he could not achieve his objective before his masters were defeated at Philippi in October, 42 B.C. Labienus was thus in a bind, being unable to return to the West. Rather than facing punishment at the hands of Antony and Octavian, Labienus switched strategies and encouraged Orodes II to invade Syria, with himself sharing the command with the king’s son, Pacorus I. The invasion probably began early in 40 B.C., when Antony was torn between that calamity and an equally urgent crisis in the West, where his brother Lucius had been defeated by Octavian in the Perusine War. Antony decided to sail westward to meet Octavian and, in the meantime, many cities and legions defected to Labienus, who presented himself as the last ember of the Republican cause. He and Pacorus initially defeated Antony’s governor Lucius Decidius Saxa, and then they divided their forces: Labienus invaded Asia Minor and Pacorus drove into Palestine and Phoenicia. Early in 39 B.C. Antony responded by sending his lieutenant Ventidius to restore order, which he did with great efficiency. He captured and executed Labienus at the Cilician Gates that same year and soon afterward forced Pacorus and his army across the Euphrates. This famous aureus bears a portrait of the unfortunate Labienus, identified by name, by the title imperator, and the cognomen Parthicus, which he adopted as an expression of his success in gaining Parthian help for his cause. The reverse bears no inscription, but shows a bridled horse fitted with a saddle and bow-case; there can be little doubt it represents the cavalry contingent of the invasion force, some 20,000 strong. In essence it honors the famous Parthian cavalry, and in that regard we may see this as a coin of two cultures, with the obverse devoted to Romans, and the reverse to Parthians.
Auction Location:
Hotel Baur au Lac, Talstrasse 1, Zurich, 8001, Switzerland
Previewing Details:
in London: February 22 to March 8, 2010
in Zurich: March 23, 2010
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
16.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
The coins will be dispatched by registered, insured and priority mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities.
Payment Details:
After the auction invoices will be sent to the successful buyers. Payment instructions are found on the invoice.
Terms and Conditions:
English:
The following conditions are acknowledged by all persons participating in the auction:
The estimates are in Swiss Francs. The opening bids will be about 80% of estimate, unless there are higher offers. The purchase price plus a commission of 16.5% is due and payable in Swiss currency. For lots delivered in Switzerland, VAT of 7.6% will be added to the total (hammer price together with auctioneer's commission and sending charges). Gold coins (AV) are free of VAT. The total price is due after the final bid and payable on delivery. A default interest of 1% per month on the purchase price will be charged for delayed payments. Adjudication ensues after the highest bid has been called three times, and commits the bidder to accept the coins. Written bids have preference over room bids. The buyer cannot claim to act on behalf of a third person. The authenticity of the coins is unconditionally guaranteed, without time limit. All identifications of the items sold in this catalogue are statements of opinion and made in good faith. The coins will be dispatched by registered and insured mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities. The auctioneer cannot be responsible for contraventions. The auction is held in Zurich and any legal questions arising shall be determined in Zurich. A buyer consigning commissions or executing room bids acknowledges the acceptance of the above conditions. The usual conditions applied to auction sales held in Zurich are here reiterated. The above mentioned conditions are written in German, French and English; the only valid text is the German one.
German:
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French:
En participant à la vente, les conditions suivantes sont considérées comme acceptées:
Les prix indiqués sont des prix estimatifs en francs suisses. La vente débute en principe à 80% du prix d'estimation, pour autant qu'il n'y ait pas d'offres plus élevées. Sur le prix d'adjudication une majoration de 16.5% est prélevée. En cas de livraison en Suisse, le prix total (prix d'adjudication + majoration et frais d'expédition) est augmenté de la TVA de 7,6%. Les monnaies en or (AV) ne sont pas sujettes à la TVA. Le prix total, y compris les taxes, est payable en francs suisses à la réception de la marchandise. Un intérêt de 1% par mois sera facturé pour tout retard. L'adjudication a lieu après le 3e rappel de l'offre la meilleure et oblige l'acheteur à prendre son acquisition. A prix égal, les offres écrites ont la priorité. Chaque participant à la vente s'oblige pour les achats effectués par lui-même. Il ne peut faire valoir avoir agi pour un tiers. Nous garantissons l'authenticité des monnaies sans condition et sans aucune limite de temps. Les indications de notre catalogue ont été faites en toute science et conscience. L'envoi se fait sous pli recommandé, assuré, aux frais et risques du destinataire. Toutes taxes ou impôts prélevés à l'étranger sont à la charge du destinataire. L'acquéreur doit lui-même s'informer des prescriptions douanières et des taxes du pays d'importation. La maison organisatrice de la vente ne peut être tenue pour responsable au cas ou ces prescriptions ne seraient pas respectées. Le domicile juridique entre l'organisatrice et les acheteurs est Zurich, ceci en cas de différences. La remise d'une offre écrite ou verbale signifie en même temps l'acceptation des conditions précitées de vente aux enchères. Les conditions locales de mise aux enchères seront appliquées et celles-ci sont disponibles dans les langues allemande, française, italienne et anglaise. En cas de différences d'interprétation, le texte allemand fait foi.
Italian:
La partecipazione alla vendita all'asta comporta l'accettazione integrale delle seguente condizioni:
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