Ancient Coins and Antiquities

Roman Imperatorial Coinage, The Caesarians, L. Hostilius Saserna, Denarius, after August 48, Rome, head of Vercingetorix (?) right with flowing hair and pointed beard, shield to left, rev. war-biga advancing right, driver wiping horse, passenger preparing to cast spear, l. hostilivs sasern around, 3.89g (Craw. 448/2a; CRI 18; RSC Hostilia 2). Small die-break on horse, otherwise good very fine, old cabinet tone £1,000-£1,200

M. Bridgewater Collection

This type commemorates Caesar’s Gallic campaigns (58-50). The subject depicted in the vivid obverse portrait has been widely discussed, and remains controversial. Support for recognising here the portrait of the Gallic leader Vercingetorix can be found in the highly individualistic portrait and the existing precedent by which Rome depicted her defeated enemies on coinage (for example, Craw. 293).