L. Cassius Longinus, 60 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.71 g, 7 h). Veiled and diademed head of Vesta to left; below chin, L, in field to right, two-handled cup. Rev. LONGIN•III•V Voter standing front, head to left, dropping tablet marked V into cista. Babelon (Cassia) 10. Crawford 413/1. RBW 1493 var. (differing control letter). Sydenham 935. Beautifully toned. Very fine.



This type, dated by Crawford to 63 BC, has been correctly re-attributed to the year 60 BC by Michael Harlan, who also offered an interesting explanation for the 'coded' or hidden name of the moneyer on the obverse. These coins bear different letters (L, C, A, S, retrograde S and I) to the left of Vesta's head, forming the moneyer's praenomen and nomen (L. Cassi-), who thus tried to go unnoticed, and to avoid being confused with his relative and namesake, L. Cassius, who had participated in Catilina's conspiracy three years earlier.