Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

Marciana. Silver Denarius (3.28 g), Augusta, ca. AD 105-112/4. Rome, under Trajan, AD 114. DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA, diademed and draped bust of Marciana right, hair in elaborately coifed row curls above brow and bound into tight bun high at back of head. Reverse CONSECRATIO, eagle, with wings displayed, standing left, head right. RIC 743; Woytek 719; BMC 650; RSC 4. Boldly struck and well centered with incredibly sharp detail. Delicate old cabinet toning adds to its appeal. An absolutely marvelous example of this important rarity! Easily one of the finest known. Superb Extremely Fine.

Marciana was Trajan's elder sister, and from all accounts they were very close. After her husband died in AD 78, she and her daughter, Matidia, lived with Trajan and his wife, Plotina. She never remarried and continued to live with Trajan and Plotina until she died, probably in AD 112 or 114.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
Ex NFA VI (27-28 February 1979), 709.