Cn. Domitius L.f. Ahenobarbus, 41-40 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.94 g, 6 h), uncertain mint moving with Ahenobarbus along the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. AHENOBAR Bare head of Ahenobarbus to right. Rev. CN•DOMITIVS•IMP Trophy with helmet, cuirass, two spears and shield set on prow to right. Babelon (Domitia) 21. Crawford 519/2. CRI 339. RBW 1803. Sydenham 1177. Nicely toned. A few light scratches, otherwise, fine.



This coin type of the imperator and admiral Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus commemorates his defeat of Cn. Domitius Calvinus, featuring a trophy atop a ship’s prow on the reverse. Ahenobarbus is generally regarded as an inept commander. He was the son of L. Domitius Ahenobarbus - executed by Mithradates VI with molten gold poured down his throat for alleged tax abuses - and the brother-in-law of Cato the Younger, through his sister Porcia. Ahenobarbus’ descendant was the future emperor Nero, who appears to have inherited some of his more disagreeable traits.

Originally a supporter of Pompey, Ahenobarbus later defected to the Caesarian faction. He subsequently fought alongside Antony and Octavian against Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius - only to abandon Antony as well. Though once a close ally and admiral to Antony, he ultimately changed sides again, joining Octavian.