Lot 12
Julius Caesar (46 BC) AV Aureus, Rome, A. Hirtius, Praetor, 7.90g.
Auction: 23 November 2026, 10:30 GMT
Description
C CAESAR COS TER, veiled head of Vesta facing right. Rev. A HIRTIVS PR, emblems of the augurate and pontificate; lituus, securis and guttus. (Crawford 466/1; Calico 57a). Good Very Fine or better for issue.
The exact identity of the veiled figure which graces the obverse of this gold aureus eludes us, but it is likely Vesta – a particularly important goddess to Caesar himself. Aulus Hirtius, a Roman Praetor, was appointed mint-master at the mint of Rome in 46 BC. His adoption of the role saw a huge issue of gold coins, in varying styles, from a mint which had almost exclusively struck silver and bronze throughout its existence. Minted from tonnes of war booty, it is theorised that these gold aurei were struck to pay Caesar’s victorious soldiers upon their return to the city.
