Lucius Cornelius Lentulus struck coins in 211 BC, where he also served as Praetor of Sicily.
He was brother of Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus, the consul of 201 BC. After serving as Praetor, he succeeded Scipio Africanus as proconsul in Spain, though he was denied a triumph upon his return in 200 BC. He was rewarded by becoming consul in the following year. He died in 173 BC.
He is particularly interesting, because he was (as far as we know) the first moneyer to sign his coins - in his case with a simple capital C.
He was brother of Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus, the consul of 201 BC. After serving as Praetor, he succeeded Scipio Africanus as proconsul in Spain, though he was denied a triumph upon his return in 200 BC. He was rewarded by becoming consul in the following year. He died in 173 BC.
He is particularly interesting, because he was (as far as we know) the first moneyer to sign his coins - in his case with a simple capital C.
Obverse: draped bust of Mercury right wearing winged petasos; ●●
Reverse: prow of galley right, fighting platform with club; ROMA / C /●●
Diameter:
19 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
If C really stood for L. Cornelius Lentulus praetor of Sardinia, he would be the first moneyer with name on his coins.
Crawford 63/6, Sydenham 157d, BMCRR Italy 187, SRCV I 1220