Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature Sale 3057 7-8 Sep 2017
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L. Hostilius Saserna (48 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.98 gm, 6h). NGC AU 3/5 - 4/5. Rome. Head of Gallic warrior (Vercingetorix?) right, with limed hair flowing back and goatee, chain around his neck; Gallic shield behind / L • HOSTILIVS above, SASERN below, Gallic warrior standing left in galloping biga right, brandishing spear, driver holding reins and whip. Crawford 448/2a. CRI 18. Sydenham 952. RSC Hostilia 2. Obverse a little off-center to right.
The traditional identification of the Gallic warrior depicted on the obverse of this issue as Vercingetorix, leader of the great Gallic rebellion against Caesar in 55-54 BC, has been challenged as unprovable and unlikely. However, there is ample precedent for Romans placing portraits and images of defeated enemy rulers on coinage, and there is no reason to rule out such an attribution. The head is quite distinctive in its features, showing a rather haggard and emaciated warrior with his hair in wild disarray, perhaps reflecting the appearance of a man held captive by Caesar for four long years since the surrender of Vercingetorix at Alesia in 52 BC.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 1500-1800 USD
L. Hostilius Saserna (48 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.98 gm, 6h). NGC AU 3/5 - 4/5. Rome. Head of Gallic warrior (Vercingetorix?) right, with limed hair flowing back and goatee, chain around his neck; Gallic shield behind / L • HOSTILIVS above, SASERN below, Gallic warrior standing left in galloping biga right, brandishing spear, driver holding reins and whip. Crawford 448/2a. CRI 18. Sydenham 952. RSC Hostilia 2. Obverse a little off-center to right.
The traditional identification of the Gallic warrior depicted on the obverse of this issue as Vercingetorix, leader of the great Gallic rebellion against Caesar in 55-54 BC, has been challenged as unprovable and unlikely. However, there is ample precedent for Romans placing portraits and images of defeated enemy rulers on coinage, and there is no reason to rule out such an attribution. The head is quite distinctive in its features, showing a rather haggard and emaciated warrior with his hair in wild disarray, perhaps reflecting the appearance of a man held captive by Caesar for four long years since the surrender of Vercingetorix at Alesia in 52 BC.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 1500-1800 USD