The lituus is a staff used by augurs in divination and is a symbol of their priestly office. Through observation of bids and other rituals, the augurs interpreted if actions would be considered favorable to the gods (auspices). There was a college of Augurs who in the Imperatorial period were incorporated into the college of Pontifices. The head of this college was the Pontifex Maximus which was a title assumed by Caesar.
(4 coins)
55967
Add to Cart Phrygia, Laodikeia ad Lykos
AE 15, 4.55g. magistrate: Zeuxis Philalethes. c.15 B.C. Bare head of Augustus to right; lituus behind. Rev. Serpent staff of Asklepios. RPC 1, 2895. SNG von Aulock 3837; small scrape in hair. Dark brown patina. The magistrate Zeuxis Philalethes is most likely the physician who founded a school of medicine at the temple of Men Karou outside of Laodikeia as mentioned by his contemporary Strabo(Geog.12,88, 50.) During Starbo's lifetime, there were two directors of the medical school, Zeuxis and Alexander Philalethes. The reverse type with the serpent staff of Asklepios further supports the association. (See: Ramsay, Cities and Bishoprics of Phrygia, p. 52.) Provenance/Pedigree: Ex: Peter Weiss, Kiel Germany, collected 1967-2015. See more detailed image about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $1,000. |
57534
New Add to Cart L Marcius Philippus, 56 B.C.
AR Denarius, 3.83g. 18mm. ANCVS. Diademed head of Ancus Marcius to right; lituus behind head. Rev. L PHILIPPVS. Equestrian rider on aquaduct to right; flower below. AQVA MAR within arches of the aquaduct. CR 425/1. Syd. 919. Light toning with amber highlights and brilliant luster. Provenance/Pedigree: Extremely Fine $775. |
57370
Add to Cart Q. Cassius Longinus, 55 B.C.
AR Denarius, 3.88g. 19mm. Head of Genius to right with scepter over shoulder. Rev. Q CASSIVS. Eagle standing to right on thunderbolt; lituus in field to left ; jug in field to right. Crawford 428/3. RBW 1535. Sydenham 916. Lovely iridescent toning. Provenance/Pedigree: See more detailed image about Extremely Fine $1,750. |
57091
Add to Cart Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D.
Lead tessera, 7.33g. 29mm. Rome, c.27-17 B.C. Bare head of Augustus to right; lituus in front. Rev. OB CIVIS SERVATOS. Wreath and two laurel branches. Gobl, Antike Numismatik, 1978, #119 and plate 9(this piece). Dark patina and of exceptional quality and size for lead tessera of this period. The reverse is copied from sestertii associated with the moneyers of the period. Provenance/Pedigrees: See more detailed image about Extremely Fine $7,500. |
