Ancient British Hoards

Roman Imperatorial Coinage, The Caesarians, Julius Caesar, Denarius, Military mint in North Africa (possibly Utica), early 46 BC, cos tert behind head of Ceres, wearing a wreath of corn, [–]ter before, rev. avgvr above simpulum, aspergillum, jug and lituus, d in field right, pont max below, 3.66g/10h (Ghey 287, this coin; Craw. 467/1a; BMCRR Africa 21-2; RSC 4a; Sear 57). Discrete banker’s mark to obverse, otherwise fine £60-£80

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, British Iron Age Coins from the Helmingham Hoard.

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Collection

SF 706

Whilst Caesar’s portrait is omitted from this type, the titles refer to his consulship, dictatorship and priestly positions. One feature is of particular interest, the wreath of corn around the head of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. During the civil war, Rome’s supply of corn had been cut significantly as much had previously been imported from Africa. After the defeat of Juba I of Numidia, access to trade routes had been re-opened and was well worth commemorating. The d in field stands for donativum, and the m in two further examples below stands for munus, translating to largess and gift respectively. These coins were most definitely gifted to Caesar’s soldiers and veterans as means of thanks for the military success at Thapsus.