Lot 2101

Description

Republic, Julius Caesar, (assassinated 44 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued 44 B.C., a postumous issue immediately following Caesar's assassination on the Ides (15th) March, issued in the name of the moneyer M. Mettius, obv. wreathed head of Caesar to right, CAESAR before, IMP[ER] behind, rev. Venus standing to left, holding Victory on extended right hand, and sceptre in left hand, her left arm resting on shield, [set on globe], to right M MET[TIVS], control letter A in left field, (S.366, Cr. 480/17, Syd. 1055). Off centred on reverse, some weakness on top of Caesar's head, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce type.

The year 44 B.C marked a turning point in the history of Roman coinage. Caesar as dictator ordered his effigy to be placed on the silver denarii struck by the four moneyers including M. Mettius. This was the first occurance of contemporary portraiture on the Roman coinage, and it marked a major step towards a popular acceptance of the monarchical concept in the Roman State. His assassination on March 15, 44BC, did not stop the continuance of this portrait issue, however the obverse legend was a continuance of title which has been debated in the literature. Crawford believes it seems to indicate Caesar's position as a permanent triumphator rather than the aquisition of an extra `cognomen' (Kienast) nor the possession of a permanent power of command (Gelzer & Alfoldi). The coin also shows that Caesar did not accept the `praenomen imperatorium' offered by the Senate. The type with Venus on the reverse refers to the claim of the Julia gens to be descended from the goddess of Love.