Denarius. Roma Imperatorial. Julius Caesar. L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BC. Galia. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right. L. MVSSIDIVS · LONGVS, around rudder, cornucopiae on globe, caduceus and priest's hat. Magnificent portrait of exceptionally fine style. Lovely old cabinet toning with subtle iridescent hues and traces of underlying original luster. Very well-centered strike, with a slight off-center strike on the reverse. Very rare, especially in this grade. The image of Julius Caesar was a powerful propaganda tool for Mark Antony and Octavian, who were preparing to confront Brutus and Cassius when this denarius was struck in 42 BC. The Caesarian victory at the Battle of Philippi in October of that year avenged his assassination and brought Rome one step closer to monarchy. The reverse features rich symbolism: the cornucopia atop the globe and the rudder evoke Caesar's conquests and his control over the Mediterranean; the apex represents his position as Pontifex Maximus, while the winged caduceus symbolizes the peace and prosperity brought about by his victories. With a few exceptions, Octavian ceased using Caesar's portrait as the principal motif on his coinage after 38 BC, when he issued commemorative types celebrating his connection to the deified dictator. AU. XF. Superb Julius Caesar!!. Ffc. 24. Craw. 494/39. Sydenham. 1096a. Ag. 3,94.

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Lot description

Julius Caesar. L. Mussidius Longus. Denarius. 42 BC. Galia. (Ffc-24). (Craw-494/39). (Sydenham-1096a). Anv.: Laureate head of Julius Caesar right. Rev.: L. MVSSIDIVS · LONGVS, around rudder, cornucopiae on globe, caduceus and priest's hat. Ag. 3,94 g.

Magnificent portrait of exceptionally fine style. Lovely old cabinet toning with subtle iridescent hues and traces of underlying original luster. Very well-centered strike, with a slight off-center strike on the reverse. Very rare, especially in this grade.

The image of Julius Caesar was a powerful propaganda tool for Mark Antony and Octavian, who were preparing to confront Brutus and Cassius when this denarius was struck in 42 BC. The Caesarian victory at the Battle of Philippi in October of that year avenged his assassination and brought Rome one step closer to monarchy.

The reverse features rich symbolism: the cornucopia atop the globe and the rudder evoke Caesar's conquests and his control over the Mediterranean; the apex represents his position as Pontifex Maximus, while the winged caduceus symbolizes the peace and prosperity brought about by his victories.

With a few exceptions, Octavian ceased using Caesar's portrait as the principal motif on his coinage after 38 BC, when he issued commemorative types celebrating his connection to the deified dictator. AU/XF. Est...15000,00.

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Lot 36 | Roma Imperatorial

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