Lot 2102

Description

Republic, Julius Caesar, (assassinated 44 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued 40 B.C., a postumous issue following Caesar's assassination on the Ides (15th) March, 44 B.C., issued in the name of the moneyer Ti. Sempronius Gracchus `quaestor designatus' obv. wreathed head of Caesar to right, S C either side of neck, rev. Vexillum, legionary eagle, plow and sceptre, around TI SEMPRONIVS above GRACCVS below, (S.373, Cr. 525/4a, Syd. 1129). Off centred on obverse, well centred on reverse, attractive portrait of Caesar, very fine and rare.

As noted in the previous lot 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 which continued for some years after his assassination on March 15, 44BC. However by 40 B.C. clearly the issue was to serve the interests of Octavian, the reverse conveys an allusian to Octavian's settlement of veterans after the Perusine War.