Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Lucius Manlius Torquatus. Aureus 82-81 BC, moving mint. L · MANLI – PRO Q Helmeted head of Roma right / Triumphator (Sulla) in quadriga right, holding reins and caduceus, crowned by flying Victory left. In exergue, L SVLLA · IMP. 10,82g. Bahrfeldt 13.5 (this coin); Biaggi 11; Calicó 17; Crawford 367/4; Sydenham 765a. Rare. Good extremely fine. Provenance: H. Montagu Collection (1844-1895), Rollin & Feuardent (20-28 April 1896); 17. A. Bally-Herzog Collection, Münzen & Medaillen 93 (16 December 2003), 36. NAC 51 (5 March 2009), 25. Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Sulla established himself as one of the most brilliant military commanders in Roman history. He defeated Jugurtha, Rome’s rebellious allies, Marius and his supporters, and, in the East, Mithradates VI, king of Pontus and the Bosphorus. The latter had taken advantage of Rome’s internal troubles to attack its eastern provinces and massacre several tens of thousands of inhabitants. Despite his conflict with Marius, Sulla was forced to respond and protect these distant territories. He defeated Mithradates VI and compelled him to sign the Peace of Dardanos. In order to enhance his popularity and reputation as a talented military commander, Sulla had a triumph organised in 81 BC to celebrate his victory in the East. It is probable that the reverse of this aureus, struck between 82 and 81 BC, represents this very moment. It may either be an imagined vision of a scene that was yet to come, or a remarkable snapshot of this historic event. The inscription in the exergue leaves no doubt: the figure in the triumphal chariot is indeed Sulla. This is therefore one of the earliest representations of a living Roman, although, unlike the stater of Titus Quinctius Flamininus, the individual’s facial features cannot be recognised. The coin thus served to remind everyone of Sulla’s glory and military successes, making it a powerful instrument of propaganda. As for Lucius Manlius Torquatus, mentioned on the obverse, he was Sulla’s proquaestor in 81 BC and consul in 65 BC. Very little is known about this loyal ally of Sulla.