Lot 3652

Description

Julius Caesar, silver denarius, issued 44 B.C., Rome Mint, 3.43 grams, C.480/4, S.1060, BMC 4152, Sear Julius Caesar 22 (p.108), Obv. Laureate head of Julius Caesar to r. CA[ESAR IM] to r. P [M] behind separated by a crescent, Rev. Venus standing l. holding Victory and sceptre, L. AEMILIVS [BVCA]. Banker's marks on obverse & reverse otherwise nearly fine and rare, (42).

The portrait was ordered to be placed on the coinage of the 4 moneyers of that year 44 B.C. This year marks the turning point in the history of Roman Coinage - the first occurrence of contemporary portraiture on the Roman coinage. It marked a major step towards the popular acceptance of the monarchical concept in the Roman state. Although the issue was cut short by Caesar assassination on the Ides of March, coins bearing his portrait continued to be struck by the Caesarians. The type of Venus on the reverse refers to the claim of the Julia gens to be descended from the goddess of love.