Lot 2502

Description

Julius Caesar, (c.47 B.C.), silver denarius, Sicily mint, (3.44 grams), obv. Venus head to right wearing diadem, around C. CAES[AR I]MP COS ITER, rev. Trinacrus standing to left, foot on prow, holding triscelis, [A. ALLI]ENVS PRO C[OS] around, (S.-, Cr.457/1, Syd.1022, B. Julius Caesar 1 [£400]). Off centred on reverse, bankers marks on obverse, otherwise fine and very rare.

Ex Glendining's London, March 19, 1974 (lot 395 part). Less than 30 obverse dies used for this type, as calculated by Crawford. The issue was by Allienus for the use of troops he levied for Caesar in 47 B.C. Sicily was originally known as Trinacria. Few examples of this type survive today.