The New York Sale
Auction 48 14 Jan 2020
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Julius Caesar. Silver Denarius (3.65 g), 43 BC. Sicily (Lylibaion?). A. Allienus, proconsul. C CAESAR IMP COS ITER, diademed and draped bust of Venus right. Reverse: A ALLIENVS [P]RO COS, Trinacrus standing left, resting foot on prow, holding triskeles and cloak. Crawford 457/1; HCRI 54; Sydenham 1022; RSC 1.Rare. NGC grade Ch XF*; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. Value $12,500 - UP
This very rare type was minted when Caesar stopped over in Sicily in late 47 BC while preparing for his assault on Pompeian forces in North Africa. Aulus Allienus, Caesar's proconsul of Sicily, is named as the issuer. The reverse shows Trinacrus, a son of Neptune, whose name probably derives from an alternate name of Sicily, Trinacria ("three cornered land"). Though minted in relatively small quantities, these coins saw heavy circulation, as most surviving examples display considerable wear. This specimen, displaying almost no wear, is surely among the finest surviving examples.
This very rare type was minted when Caesar stopped over in Sicily in late 47 BC while preparing for his assault on Pompeian forces in North Africa. Aulus Allienus, Caesar's proconsul of Sicily, is named as the issuer. The reverse shows Trinacrus, a son of Neptune, whose name probably derives from an alternate name of Sicily, Trinacria ("three cornered land"). Though minted in relatively small quantities, these coins saw heavy circulation, as most surviving examples display considerable wear. This specimen, displaying almost no wear, is surely among the finest surviving examples.