Herennius Etruscus, as Caesar, 249-251. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 33 mm, 19.76 g, 12 h), Rome, 250-251. Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Herennius Etruscus to right. Rev. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS / S - C Herennius Etruscus, as prince of the youth, standing facing in military attire, head turned left, holding wand in his right hand and transverse spear in his left. Cohen 28 var. and RIC 171a var. (both with differing bust type). Rare. An excellent example with a very attractive portrait and an extensive pedigree. Repatinated and somewhat smoothed, otherwise, good very fine.


The quality of the die engraving and the carefully produced and exceptionally broad flan make this Sestertius stand out strikingly from the otherwise mostly mediocre Herennius Etruscus aes coinage. There is a remarkably medallic aspect to it, which undoubtedly also attracted its previous owners!