C. Considius Nonianus, 56 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.82 g, 1 h), Rome. CONSIDI NONIANI - S•C Laureate and draped bust of Venus Erycina to right, wearing stephane and pendant earring. Rev. The Temple of Venus Erycina on the summit of Mount Eryx: tetrastyle temple seen from front on rocky mountain surrounded by a wall with crenelated tower at each end and a gate in center; above gate, ERVC. Babelon (Considia) 1a. Crawford 424/1. RBW 1522. Sydenham 886. A magnificent piece, beautifully toned and perfectly centered. Minor areas of weakness and with small die breaks on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The sanctuary of Venus Erycina lay on Mt. Eryx in western Sicily, with the eponymous city stretching along the flanks of the hill. This is what we see on our coin, which shows a tetrastyle temple on a pile of rocks, whereas the polis Eryx is hinted at by the city walls running around the hill.