Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 22 28 November 2015
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Caesar, 48-47 BC. Female head right, wearing oak wreath and diadem; mark of value behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal's head to right; CAE-SAR below. Crawford 452/2; Julia 26; Sydenham 1009. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h.
Virtually as struck.
Since the numerals behind the head of Pietas have long been recognized to represent Caesar's age at the time, this denarius was struck shortly after the battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey met his ultimate defeat, and Caesar became master of Rome. The reverse deliberately references Caesar's Gallic victories, rather than his recent victory over fellow Romans, the celebration of which would have been distasteful; Caesar's conduct after the battle was similarly conciliatory - he forgave the large part of Pompey's officers and army. The depiction of Pietas wearing the corona civica, or oak wreath, however, may be a subtle allusion to his Pompeian victory. This award was granted to any citizen who had personally saved the life of another citizen; in this case, Caesar had saved the citizen-body of Rome and the Empire from further civil war.
Virtually as struck.
Since the numerals behind the head of Pietas have long been recognized to represent Caesar's age at the time, this denarius was struck shortly after the battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey met his ultimate defeat, and Caesar became master of Rome. The reverse deliberately references Caesar's Gallic victories, rather than his recent victory over fellow Romans, the celebration of which would have been distasteful; Caesar's conduct after the battle was similarly conciliatory - he forgave the large part of Pompey's officers and army. The depiction of Pietas wearing the corona civica, or oak wreath, however, may be a subtle allusion to his Pompeian victory. This award was granted to any citizen who had personally saved the life of another citizen; in this case, Caesar had saved the citizen-body of Rome and the Empire from further civil war.