Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Caesar, 48-47 BC. Diademed female head right, wearing oak-wreath, cruciform earring, and pearl necklace; LII behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal's head to right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; RSC 18. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h.
Virtually as struck.
Ex Auctiones 17, 7 June 1988, lot 493;
Ex Leu 30, 28 April 1982, lot 265.
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 Republic from further civil war.
Virtually as struck.
Ex Auctiones 17, 7 June 1988, lot 493;
Ex Leu 30, 28 April 1982, lot 265.
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 Republic from further civil war.