ROMAN. Julius Caesar. 49-44 BC. Silver Denarius (3.84g). Struck in Spain, circa 46-45 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, small Cupid at shoulder behind / CAESAR, trophy of Gallic arms between seated male and female captives. Crawford 468/1; RSC 13; Sear 1404. Lustrous. Superb example. gVF. This denarius was struck during Caesar's Spanish campaign of 46-45 BC, when he moved against the remaining Pompeian forces after the civil war had spread across the Roman world. Caesar's earlier conquest of Gaul, recorded in his Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Commentaries on the Gallic War), had transformed his wealth, reputation and military power. In 52 BC he defeated Vercingetorix and the Gallic coalition at Alesia, securing one of the defining victories of his career. The obverse links Caesar to Venus through the legendary line of Aeneas and Iulus, while the reverse, showing a trophy of Gallic arms between captives, advertises his victories in Gaul and presents them as proof of divine favour, military success and Roman dominance. For the type and a similar quality example, see Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction 21, lot 457, hammered GBP 8,500. Acquired from Soler y Llach S.L., May 2019. (P)

Estimate: AUD 1000