Sovereign Rarities Ltd
Auction 2 24 Sep 2019
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L. Hostilius Saserna (48 B.C.), silver Denarius, mint of Rome, head of a Gallic captive right (Vercingetorix?), his hair flowing back, pointed plaited beard and a chain around his neck, Gallic shield behind, rev. two Gallic warriors in fast biga driven right, one standing facing backward, holding a shield and brandishing a spear, the other driving the biga, a whip in left hand, reins in right hand, L·HOSTILIVS SASERN around, 4.11g, 9h (Cr. 448/2a; Babelon Hostilia 2; Syd 952). A wild portrait of superb style and sharp details, lightly toned, extremely fine and well centred with a full depicture of the reverse scene, rare thus.
First references of Caesar's victories in the Gallic wars (58-51 BC), depictions of a Gallic figure were used to increase his reputation. Vercingetorix leader of the Gallic tribes surrendered to the Roman troops lead by Caesar at the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, was held prisoner for five years, paraded through the streets of Rome in the first of Cesar's four Triumphs (46 BC) and executed shortly after.
This item will be accompanied by its French Export Certificate.
First references of Caesar's victories in the Gallic wars (58-51 BC), depictions of a Gallic figure were used to increase his reputation. Vercingetorix leader of the Gallic tribes surrendered to the Roman troops lead by Caesar at the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, was held prisoner for five years, paraded through the streets of Rome in the first of Cesar's four Triumphs (46 BC) and executed shortly after.
This item will be accompanied by its French Export Certificate.