Lot 412:
Anonymous. AE Semis, 157-156 BC. Rome(?) mint. Obv. Laureate head of Saturn right; behind, S. Rev. Prow of galley right; before, S. Cr. 198B/2; RBW -. 7.70 g. 22.00 mm. R. VF. Quoting a note by Andrew McCabe on CNG Auct. 411, lot 352:
This fine style semis undoubtedly relates to the Crawford 198 series, with its typical bulbous prow stem and with the value mark before the prow. It lacks, however, the characteristic peaked deck structure, and is on a somewhat fatter and smaller flan than one would expect for the issue. It may be a variant of Cr. 198B/2 or may be an excellently made imitative issue that closely parallels coins of around 150 BC.
This fine style semis undoubtedly relates to the Crawford 198 series, with its typical bulbous prow stem and with the value mark before the prow. It lacks, however, the characteristic peaked deck structure, and is on a somewhat fatter and smaller flan than one would expect for the issue. It may be a variant of Cr. 198B/2 or may be an excellently made imitative issue that closely parallels coins of around 150 BC.