Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 94 6 October 2016
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The Roman Republic
Imperatorial Issues
L. Hostilius Saserna. Denarius 48, AR 4.05 g. Bearded male head r.; behind, Gallic shield. Rev. L·HOSTILIVS Naked Gallic warrior in fast biga driven r. by charioteer, holding whip; below horses, SASER[N]. Babelon Hostilia 2. Sydenham 952. Sear Imperators 18. RBW 1569. Crawford 448/2a.
Rare. Old cabinet tone and extremely fine
Ex M&M 43, 1970, 185; NFA IV, 1977, 519; Hirsch, 1997, 193 and Triton VIII, 2005, 937 sales.
Is this obverse image the head of Vercingetorix, the last Gallic chieftain to hold out against Julius Caesar? The engraving style between dies seems too uniform to believe it can be other than a real person being identified. Given the timing of the issue and Julius Caesar's self promotional nature, I believe it is very likely that this is indeed an image of Vercingetorix, the final Gallic leader to be conquered. The portrait is stunning with full detail and nicely centered. Likewise the reverse is nicely centered and with full detail. This example is as good as this issue comes. MSG.