TRAJAN, A.D. 98-117. AR Denarius (3.11 gms), Rome Mint, A.D. 112-113. NGC Ch VF*, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style.Woytek-839; RIC-804 (R4); RSC-34b. Restitution issue of L. Valerius. Obverse: Head of Apollo right, wearing taenia; spiked hammer to left; Reverse: Valeria Luperca, holding billowing sail overhead, seated right on bull. Lightly toned with honest wear, this very rare piece is an exceptional example for the type. The restitution series of coinage struck under Trajan was a continuation of a practice first utilized by the Flavians, whereby types from the late republic and early empire were employed in order to pay homage to the past. Trajans series specifically draws upon many republican denarii, of which the present specimen is an example. Difficult to find in any grade, this by far surpasses a similar piece sold in CNG E-319 (1/2014) Lot #411, a fine with numerous contact marks and roughness which realized a hammer of $450.
