Ancient Rome 16th-17th Century 'Paduan' Sestertius of Domitian (85AD)
Offered is a fascinating 35mm brass Sestertius, in the manner of the famed General Agricola type issued under the reign of Domitian in 85AD, as SEAR#2775, RIC#288. It is speculated that this design, which was originally struck at Rome, commemorates the successes of Gnaeus Julius Agricola as governor of Britain upon his return to the Eternal City. It should be noted that original coins of this type sell for well into the 4-figures, even in low grades.
This particular piece is a renaissance-era copy in the style of a group of Padua-based artists operating in the 16th-17th centuries, supplying gentlemen on their Grand Tours with souvenirs to take back home. It is likely that this piece was executed by Giovanni da Cavino (b.1500), the son of a goldsmith, as this obverse type has been extensively attributed to him. He went on to train with famed bronze sculptor Andrea Briscio, before producing an extensive range of medals in the style of Roman Sestertii, particularly based on iconic types. These pieces came to be appreciated for their own artistic merit, finding their way into the finest collections of the 17th-18th centuries - indeed the bulk of Cavino’s dies were purchased by the French Bibliotheque Nationale in 1692.
This particular example is an early ‘Paduan’ of very fine style, appearing to be a struck example. Great remaining detail pairs with delicate cabinet friction to at once remain pleasing while also speaking to considerable age. A historic cleaning has already seen substantial re-tone, adding considerable eye-appeal. A fascinating piece.
Offered is a fascinating 35mm brass Sestertius, in the manner of the famed General Agricola type issued under the reign of Domitian in 85AD, as SEAR#2775, RIC#288. It is speculated that this design, which was originally struck at Rome, commemorates the successes of Gnaeus Julius Agricola as governor of Britain upon his return to the Eternal City. It should be noted that original coins of this type sell for well into the 4-figures, even in low grades.
This particular piece is a renaissance-era copy in the style of a group of Padua-based artists operating in the 16th-17th centuries, supplying gentlemen on their Grand Tours with souvenirs to take back home. It is likely that this piece was executed by Giovanni da Cavino (b.1500), the son of a goldsmith, as this obverse type has been extensively attributed to him. He went on to train with famed bronze sculptor Andrea Briscio, before producing an extensive range of medals in the style of Roman Sestertii, particularly based on iconic types. These pieces came to be appreciated for their own artistic merit, finding their way into the finest collections of the 17th-18th centuries - indeed the bulk of Cavino’s dies were purchased by the French Bibliotheque Nationale in 1692.
This particular example is an early ‘Paduan’ of very fine style, appearing to be a struck example. Great remaining detail pairs with delicate cabinet friction to at once remain pleasing while also speaking to considerable age. A historic cleaning has already seen substantial re-tone, adding considerable eye-appeal. A fascinating piece.
Offered is a fascinating 35mm brass Sestertius, in the manner of the famed General Agricola type issued under the reign of Domitian in 85AD, as SEAR#2775, RIC#288. It is speculated that this design, which was originally struck at Rome, commemorates the successes of Gnaeus Julius Agricola as governor of Britain upon his return to the Eternal City. It should be noted that original coins of this type sell for well into the 4-figures, even in low grades.
This particular piece is a renaissance-era copy in the style of a group of Padua-based artists operating in the 16th-17th centuries, supplying gentlemen on their Grand Tours with souvenirs to take back home. It is likely that this piece was executed by Giovanni da Cavino (b.1500), the son of a goldsmith, as this obverse type has been extensively attributed to him. He went on to train with famed bronze sculptor Andrea Briscio, before producing an extensive range of medals in the style of Roman Sestertii, particularly based on iconic types. These pieces came to be appreciated for their own artistic merit, finding their way into the finest collections of the 17th-18th centuries - indeed the bulk of Cavino’s dies were purchased by the French Bibliotheque Nationale in 1692.
This particular example is an early ‘Paduan’ of very fine style, appearing to be a struck example. Great remaining detail pairs with delicate cabinet friction to at once remain pleasing while also speaking to considerable age. A historic cleaning has already seen substantial re-tone, adding considerable eye-appeal. A fascinating piece.