British Iron Age Coins from the Helmingham Hoard

Roman Imperatorial Coinage, The Second Triumvirate, Lepidus, Denarius, Military mint in Italy, spring-summer 42 BC, lepidvs [–] iii v r p c, bust of Lepidus right, rev. caesar imp iii [–] r p c, bust of Octavian right, 3.66g/3h (Ghey 312, this coin; Craw. 495/2d; BMCRR Africa 30; RSC 2c; Sear 140a). Banker’s mark ‘A’ to obverse and ‘A and crescent’ to reverse, about fine £100-£150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, British Iron Age Coins from the Helmingham Hoard.

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SF 581

Sear argues that Lepidus had predominant, if not complete, control over the minting of this issue. Other sources attribute them to both Lepidus and Octavian because both their portraits feature, however the reason for omitting Antony is uncertain. The reason could be as simple as that three faces on a two sided coin was deemed excessive artistically, or perhaps Lepidus simply preferred Octavian over Mark Antony.