Lot 1176
Julius Caesar. Silver Denarius (3.82 g), 46 BC. Utica(?). COS TERT behind, DICT ITER before, head of Ceres right, wreathed with grain ears. Rev. AVGVR above, PONT MAX in exergue, emplems of the augurate and pontificate: simpulum, sprinkler, capis and lituus; in right field, D (Donativum). (Crawford 467/1a; HCRI 57; Sydenham 1023; RSC 4a). Attractive old cabinet tone. Extremely fine. Estimate $1,400UP
The legends and reverse type of this denarius advertise the Roman Republican offices held by Julius Caesar in the year of his victory over the Pompeian forces. His titles on the obverse are extraordinary: Consul for the fourth time and Dictator for the second time, while those on the reverse are strictly religious and refer to his previous status as one of the augurs and as pontifex maximus. The depiction of Ceres on the obverse may perhaps refer to the greater security for the Roman grain supply that must have come with the defeat of the Pompeians at the Battle of Thapsus (April 6, 46 BC) in North Africa.
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