Sextus Pompey, 43-35 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.81 g, 2 h), Q. Nasidius, commander of the fleet. Massalia, 42-38. NEPTVNI Bare head of Pompey the Great to right; before, [trident]; below, dolphin to right. Rev. Q•NASIDIVS Galley under sail with six oarsman to right; helmsman steering rudder, hortator standing on prow; to upper left, star. Babelon (Pompeia) 28 and (Nasidia) 1. Crawford 483/2. CRI 235. RBW 1698. Sydenham 1350. Attractive old collection toning and with a fine pedigree. Struck somewhat off center and with minor roughness, otherwise, very fine.



This denarius of Sextus Pompey recollects one of his father's greatest achievements, the eradication of the rampant piracy in a three-months naval campaign in 66 BC. With Sextus effectively commanding a naval empire in the years after the Battle(s) of Philippi, such imagery perfectly suited his ambitions and was clearly aimed at strengthening the loyalty of Pompey's veterans serving in his son's navy.