| Heritage World Coin Auctions > Showcase Auction 61373 | Auction date: 5 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 22011 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients Julius Caesar, as Dictator Perpetuo (ca. February-March 44 BC), with Publius Sepullius Macer, as Moneyer. AR denarius (18mm, 3.36 gm, 4h). NGC VG 5/5 - 1/5, scratches. Rome. CAESAR-DICT•PERPETVO, laureate head of Julius Caesar right / P•SEPVLLIVS downward on right, MACER downward on left, Venus standing facing, head left, Victory standing left in outstretched right hand, scepter in left. Crawford 480/11. Sydenham 1072. Julia 49 and Sepullia 4. Rays of light dance off the surface in eye-catching flashes. For two centuries, Rome had spurned the Hellenistic practice of placing the ruler's portrait on the coinage 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 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. The obverse legend acclaims Caesar as "DICT(ator) PERPETVO," or "Dictator For Life," a title approved by the Senate in February, 44 BC. 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. This series of coins is considered by historians to be the coins that killed Caesar. On 15 March 44 BC, around a month after this legend was minted, Julius Caesar was assassinated by the Senate in the Theater of Pompey. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-republic/ancients-julius-caesar-as-dictator-perpetuo-ca-february-march-44-bc-with-publius-sepullius-macer-as-moneyer-ar/a/61373-22011.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-61373-05052024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved |  |
