Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Aureus 84-82 BC, moving mint. Diademed head of Venus right. In front, Cupid standing left and holding palm branch. In exergue, L · SVLLA / IMPER Jug and lituus between two trophies. In exergue, ITERVM. 10,77g. Bahrfeldt 11.3 and pl. III, 2 (this coin); Calicó 11; Crawford 359/1; Sydenham 760. Very rare. Minor scratches above head. The finest known. An exceptional specimen with a beautiful patina. Provenance: Consul E. Weber Collection, Hirsch 24 (10 May 1909), 329. Th. Prowe Collection, Hess (20 May 1912), 641. A. Bally-Herzog Collection, Münzen & Medaillen 93 (16 December 2003), 33. From the William H. Williams Collection. NAC 46 (2 April 2008), 372. Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Sulla (138–78 BC) was one of the most prominent figures of the Roman Republic. His career illustrates the first tensions that would eventually lead to the end of the Republic and the establishment of the Empire. His career began in North Africa. While still serving as a cavalry commander, Sulla covered himself in glory by capturing the Numidian king Jugurtha, bringing to an end a war that had lasted for more than seven years. His diplomatic talents then enabled him to conclude the first treaty ever signed between Rome and the powerful Parthians. Having become extremely powerful and wealthy, Sulla was elected consul in 88 BC and soon entered into open conflict with the man who had once been his superior in Africa: Caius Marius. Marius was the leader of the Populares, supporters of a reorganisation of the republican institutions that would diminish the power of the traditional aristocracy. Sulla, by contrast, led the Optimates, the aristocratic faction opposed to any change that might limit the power of Rome’s great families. After two civil wars between these two factions, Sulla emerged victorious in 82 BC and concentrated all power in his hands. He was appointed dictator by the Senate and carried out purges that created a deeply troubled atmosphere in Rome. Many people were forced into hiding to save their lives. Sulla soon abdicated in 81 BC and definitively withdrew from public life in 79 BC. He died a year later, in 78 BC, at his villa in Campania. This rare aureus is a witness to this troubled period. The obverse of this coin emphasises the connection between Sulla and Venus, his protective deity, who is represented accompanied by her son and messenger Cupid, holding a laurel branch, a symbol of victory. The result of her intervention is symbolised on the reverse by two trophies, which flank a lituus and a jug. These were cult objects used during rituals performed before battle, when Sulla consulted the auspices based on the observation of birds to determine whether the gods were willing to grant him victory. According to Plutarch, Sulla was deeply religious and attached great importance to omens and signs. Through its imagery, Sulla presents his military success as the result not only of his own abilities, but also of the divine favour that accompanied him. This aureus thus forms an integral part of Sulla’s propaganda at a time when he was attempting to seize power.