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Roman Rep., Julius Caesar. Aureus

Currency:CHF Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:24,000.00 CHF Estimated At:30,000.00 - 37,500.00 CHF
Roman Rep., Julius Caesar. Aureus
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The Roman Republic, Julius Caesar. Aureus, mint moving with Caesar in the East 48-47 BC, AV 8.13 g. CAESAR – DICT Axe and culullus. Rev. ITER Jug and lituus. All within laurel wreath. Babelon Julia 15. Bahrfeldt 18a.1 (this coin). Biaggi 33 (this coin). Crawford 456/1a. Sear Imperators 15. Calicó 43 (this coin). Extremely rare and in exceptionally good condition for this difficult issue. About extremely fine Ex Sangiorgi 1907, Martinetti-Nervegna, 1372; Hess 1912, Prowe, 825; Rodolfo Ratto, 1924, 1294 and Glendining 1951, Ryan part IV, 1570 and NAC 31, 2005, 4 sales. From the Biaggi collection. Caesar was in Greece and the East when this aureus was struck in the year beginning October, 48 B.C. Initially he was in Egypt sharing time with Cleopatra in Egypt, then he moved through Syria and Asia Minor en route to wage a quick and successful war against Pharnaces II, king of the Bosporus. His victory over Pharnaces at Zela in August, 47 B.C. is the likely occasion represented on this coin by the wreath. Considering his recent campaign against Pompey and his long absence from Italy, a reminder that his authority was based in venerable Roman institutions might have been recommended at this stage of his rise to supremacy. The inscriptions describe him as having held the dictatorship for the second time and the designs indicate his role as chief priest (pontifex maximus) of the Romans and his membership in the college of augurs.