Watch List notes:

L. Hostilius Saserna (48 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 4.06 gm, 3h). Rome. Head of captive Gallic warrior (Vercingetorix?) right, chain around his neck; behind, Gallic shield / L. HOSTILI[VS] above, SA[SERN(A)] below, nude Gallic warrior, standing left, wielding spear and holding shield, in galloping biga driven by charioteer right . Crawford 448/2a or 448/2b. Sear 18. Sydenham 952 or 952a. Hostilia 2 or 2a. Toned. Good Very Fine. From the Mayflower Collection. Scholars are typically reluctant to accept the popular identification of this distinctive obverse image as a portrait of the defeated Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix, but there is nothing in the Roman numismatic tradition that rules it out. In fact portraits and images of defeated enemies, including Philip V of Macedon, his son Perseus and the Celtic chieftain Bituitus, had previously appeared on Republican issues. It is true that an earlier Gallic coin had shown Vercingetorix as youthful and clean-shaven, but this was at the outset of his reign and it is plausible to accept the Saserna portrait as showing him after the ravages of Alesia and Roman captivity.

Estimate: 1800.00-2400.00 USD