Cn. Cornelius Lentulus, 76-75 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.80 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in Spain. G•P•R Diademed and draped bust of the Genius Populi Romani to right; behind, scepter. Rev. EX• - S•C / CN•LEN•Q Scepter with wreath, globe and rudder. Babelon (Cornelia) 54. Crawford 393/1a. RBW 1432. Sydenham 752. Harshly cleaned, otherwise, about extremely fine.


While this coin was struck in Spain, where the moneyer served as quaestor (or paymaster) under Pompey during Rome's war against Sertorius, the 'EX S C' on the reverse indicates that the emission was authorized by the Roman Senate. Interestingly, the gens Cornelia, from which the moneyer hailed, was one of the most illustrious of Rome's many prominent families, having provided Rome with over a third of her consuls.