| Heritage World Coin Auctions > Showcase Auction 61373 | Auction date: 5 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 22010 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 (49-44 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 3.84 gm, 1h). NGC Choice XF 4/5 - 4/5. Military mint traveling with Caesar in Spain, ca. late 46-early 45 BC. Bust of Venus right, wearing stephane, pendant earring and necklace; Cupid at shoulder / CAESAR, trophy of Gallic arms; captives seated at base, dejected female to left, bound male to right looking up at trophy. Crawford 468/1. Sydenham 1014. Julius Caesar was made Proconsul over Further Spain, and the following nine years he spent in and out of Gaul, embarking on a prolonged Gallic war, which he recorded his personal account in Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Commentary of the Gallic War). Initially benefitting from the disjointed tribes of Gaul, which he could deal with individually, however, the tide turned upon facing Vercingetorix, the chief of the Arverni tribe, who had assembled a confederation against him. In 52 BC, Caesar triumphed over Vercingetorix at the Battle of Alesia despite fierce resistance. Taking advantage of the unstable conditions in Gaul, he successfully broadened Rome's dominion through conquest, vastly increased his wealth through war spoils, and also dangerously heightened his popularity among the populace. This coin type showcases his purported lineage in the founding myth of Rome from Iulus, then Aeneas, and finally to Venus on the obverse. At the same time, the reverse promotes his victories in Gaul through the trophy adorned with Gallic military arms and bound captives, a powerful message to the Romans and the world at the time. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-republic/ancients-julius-caesar-as-dictator-49-44-bc-ar-denarius-20mm-384-gm-1h-ngc-choice-xf-4-5-4-5/a/61373-22010.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-61373-05052024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved |  |
