Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3071 6-7 Jan 2019
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Ancients
Julius Caesar, as Dictator (44 BC). AR denarius (17mm, 3.62 gm, 3h). NGC XF 4/5 - 2/5, light scratches. Rome, lifetime issue, February-March 44 BC. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. CAESAR · DICT PERPETVO, laureate head of Caesar right / Winged caduceus and fasces crossed in saltire; globe, clasped hands, and securis in three quarters; L· BVCA in fourth quarter. Crawford 480/6. Sear 103. Sydenham 1063. RSC 25. Rare.
For two centuries, Rome had spurned the Hellenistic practice of placing the ruler's portrait on the coin of the realm, much as they rejected the concept of kingship altogether. So early in 44 BC, many Romans must have been stunned to see the image of Julius Caesar, appointed for a fourth term as dictator, and now declaring the title "dictator for life" (DICT PERPETVO), on circulating silver denarii. Like a profusion of other honors and titles, the right to place his image on coins had been bestowed on Caesar by the Roman Senate. Caesar's enemies may have had an ulterior motive in approving the honor, as it almost certainly would fuel the growing suspicion that Caesar intended to name himself king of Rome. If this was the intent, it succeeded, for within three months a conspiracy had been formed and Caesar was duly assassinated at a meeting of the Senate on the ides (15th) of March, 44 BC.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 1000-1500 USD
Julius Caesar, as Dictator (44 BC). AR denarius (17mm, 3.62 gm, 3h). NGC XF 4/5 - 2/5, light scratches. Rome, lifetime issue, February-March 44 BC. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. CAESAR · DICT PERPETVO, laureate head of Caesar right / Winged caduceus and fasces crossed in saltire; globe, clasped hands, and securis in three quarters; L· BVCA in fourth quarter. Crawford 480/6. Sear 103. Sydenham 1063. RSC 25. Rare.
For two centuries, Rome had spurned the Hellenistic practice of placing the ruler's portrait on the coin of the realm, much as they rejected the concept of kingship altogether. So early in 44 BC, many Romans must have been stunned to see the image of Julius Caesar, appointed for a fourth term as dictator, and now declaring the title "dictator for life" (DICT PERPETVO), on circulating silver denarii. Like a profusion of other honors and titles, the right to place his image on coins had been bestowed on Caesar by the Roman Senate. Caesar's enemies may have had an ulterior motive in approving the honor, as it almost certainly would fuel the growing suspicion that Caesar intended to name himself king of Rome. If this was the intent, it succeeded, for within three months a conspiracy had been formed and Caesar was duly assassinated at a meeting of the Senate on the ides (15th) of March, 44 BC.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 1000-1500 USD