Roman Portraits - Marcus Agrippa

A close friend of Octavian (later Emperor Augustus), he won a name in the wars in Gaul before becoming consul in 37 BC. He organized Octavian's fleet and is generally given much credit for the defeat (36 BC) of Sextus Pompeius in the naval battles at Mylae and Naulochus (N Sicily). Agrippa took part in the war against Antony, and his naval operations were the basis of Octavian's decisive victory at Actium in 31 BC. He was perhaps the most trusted of all Augustus' lieutenants and rendered many services, notably in putting down disorders in both the East and West. After the death of Marcellus, he married Augustus' daughter Julia.  Always shrewd, Augustus ensured his friend's loyalty by naming him his heir.  Unfortunately for Agrippa, he died shortly afterwards, most likely of natural causes - although some suggest he was poisoned by Augustus' wife, Livia.

AS. M AGRIPPA L F COS III Head left, wearing rostral crown. / Neptune standing, head left, S C at sides.

A much better coin than the picture shows. It seems like the quality and price of Agrippa coins run the whole spectrum...I think a decent example can be had for as little as $20. This is a bit more than that but I am happy with the quality of the metal and portrait.