Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Travelling military mint, 48-47 BC. Laureate head of Pietas right; LII behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal's head to right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; Sear 11; Sydenham 1009. 3.12g, 19mm, 2h. Smoothed, Good Fine. Since the numerals behind the head of Pietas have long been recognized to represent CaesAR coins age at the time, this denarius was struck shortly after the battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey met his ultimate defeat, and Caesar became master of Rome. The reverse deliberately references CaesAR coins Gallic victories, rather than his recent victory over fellow Romans, the celebration of which would have been distasteful; CaesAR coins conduct after the battle was similarly conciliatory - he forgave the large part of Pompey's officers and army. The depiction of Pietas wearing the corona civica, or oak wreath, however, may be a subtle allusion to his Pompeian victory. This award was granted to any citizen who had personally saved the life of another citizen; in this case, Caesar had saved the citizen-body of Rome and the Empire from further civil war.
Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Travelling military mint, 48-47 BC. Laureate head of Pietas right; LII behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal's head to right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; Sear 11; Sydenham 1009. 3.12g, 19mm, 2h. Smoothed, Good Fine. Since the numerals behind the head of Pietas have long been recognized to represent CaesAR coins age at the time, this denarius was struck shortly after the battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey met his ultimate defeat, and Caesar became master of Rome. The reverse deliberately references CaesAR coins Gallic victories, rather than his recent victory over fellow Romans, the celebration of which would have been distasteful; CaesAR coins conduct after the battle was similarly conciliatory - he forgave the large part of Pompey's officers and army. The depiction of Pietas wearing the corona civica, or oak wreath, however, may be a subtle allusion to his Pompeian victory. This award was granted to any citizen who had personally saved the life of another citizen; in this case, Caesar had saved the citizen-body of Rome and the Empire from further civil war.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
