Nomos AG
obolos 4 21 February 2016
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L. Caesius, 112/111 BC. Denarius (Silver, 21mm, 3.92 g 12), Rome. Bust of Apollo to left, seen from behind, holding thunderbolt with his right hand; behind, RA ligate. Rev. LA - ER / L CAESI Lares Praestites seated facing, each holding staff with left hand; between them, dog; above, bust of Vulcan. Babelon (Caesia) 1. Crawford 298/1. Sydenham 564. A lovely example with a fine iridescent toning and an elegant head of Apollo. Extremely fine.
Ex Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 38, 5 June 2013, 237.
There has been a great deal of debate about who appears on the obverse of this coin: it has been thought of as Veiovis, but if Crawford is right as reading the monogram as AP, it can only be Apollo assimilated with Jupiter. As for the Lares Praestites, they were spirits who initially protected the city of Rome, and then assumed a protective function over the state as well. Vulcan probably appears here in his function as the patron of the metal workers who produced this coin.
Ex Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 38, 5 June 2013, 237.
There has been a great deal of debate about who appears on the obverse of this coin: it has been thought of as Veiovis, but if Crawford is right as reading the monogram as AP, it can only be Apollo assimilated with Jupiter. As for the Lares Praestites, they were spirits who initially protected the city of Rome, and then assumed a protective function over the state as well. Vulcan probably appears here in his function as the patron of the metal workers who produced this coin.