Lot 79
Julius Caesar (February, 44 BC) AR Denarius, mint of Rome, P Sepullius Macer, moneyer, 4.05g.

Ancient, British and World Coins, and Medals - 118 | C24009
Auction: 21 October 2024 at 10:00 BST
£6,000
Description
Julius Caesar (February, 44 BC) AR Denarius, mint of Rome, P Sepullius Macer, moneyer, 4.05g. CAESAR DICT PERPETVO, laureate head of Caesar facing right. Rev. P SEPVLLIVS MACER, Venus standing left, holding spear and Victory, shield at feet. (Crawford 480/10; Sydenham 1073). Extremely Fine.
Footnote
Many factors led to the assassination of Julius Caesar on the 15th March, 44 BC. The appearance of the dictator on Roman silver denarii is considered by many historians and numismatists to be a major one of these factors. On this coin, struck only weeks or even days before his murder, Caesar appears as nothing less than a king: he can be seen proudly wearing a laurel wreath, surrounded by his title of Dictator for Life. One can imagine how this coin would have settled with many of the Roman Senate. Had he gone too far in issuing this coin? Since Caesar
was killed the month after it was issues, we can assume so.

