Ancient British Hoards

Roman Imperatorial Coinage, Moneyer Issues, Lucius Hostilius Saserna, Denarius, Rome, after August 48 BC, head of Gallic captive right, possibly Vercingetorix, with flowing hair and pointed beard right, Gallic shield behind, rev. [–]ostilivs above biga being driven right by charioteer holding a whip and behind a warrior standing left atop the chariot throwing a spear with the right hand and holding shield in left, 3.52g/12h (Ghey 259, this coin; Craw. 448/2; BMCRR 3994-5; RSC Hostilia 2; Sear 18). Banker’s marks to obverse, otherwise fine and rare £200-£300

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

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Collection

SF 680

This type commemorates Caesar’s Gallic campaigns 58-50 BC. The subject depicted in the 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. On the other hand however, it is considered unusual that Julius Caesar would have portrayed on a coin a specific image of a fallen enemy, before placing his own image on his coinage.