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Julius Caesar (postumus)featured on
a sestersius/dupondius of Octavian
issued 38 BC
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This piece is unusual
because the obverse and reverse legends are clear and legible; although you can't tell from my photo.
Legend Rev: Julius the god;
Legend Obv:
Son of the God
I believe this is the
largest portrait of Julius Caesar on a coin, at least for those made in
ancient times. With this coin as I was able to buy a very unusual portrait
of Julius somewhat inexpensively. An acceptable grade of denarius would
have been about $4K at the time. |
Julius Caesar
was a supreme general who used his power to overthrow
the decaying Roman Republic. Caesar was his family name but later it
became a title for future Emperors. He adopted Octavian as his heir.
After JC's assassination in 44 BC Octavion issued this piece in 38 BC to
show his status as Julius' son for his upcoming fight with Marc Antony.
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Octavian Caesar as shown on a denarius
issued 31 BC by Marc Antony
Exf condition
(coin store, New Orleans, LA)
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Obv: Portrait of
Marc Antony
Rev: Portrait of Octavian
none |
After he formed the Principate in 27BC, Octavian took the name "Augustus". He is
is technically the 1st Roman Emperor as Julius was assassinated before he had that title.
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portrait sestersius of Tiberius
issued under Augustus ca 12-14 AD
this was worth 1/4 of the silver denarius
(NFA auction ca. 1990)
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Tiberius silver denarius
this coin is referred to as the "Tribute penny of the Bible" |
Tiberius was Caesar from 14 - 37 AD.
Recently I met someone who almost has the same name as the Emperor. This is Tiberiu Barbet
from Fluent Inc. Tiberiu also looks remarkably like Tiberius as portrayed on the coinage.
Perhaps next year I can take a photo? |
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Caligula sestersius
ascention issue issued 37-38 AD
(VF)
(Nick Economopolis, ca. 1989)
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Reverse - Caligula addressing the Cohorts. There were 10 cohorts (480 men) per Legion
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Early on Caligula experienced life at a Legionary camp and saw that he owed his position
to the Roman Legions. Also I imagine that the discipline and patriotism of the Army also were gratifying & in
contrast to the depravity and politics of Rome.
When Caligula ascended to the throne he omitted the usual "SC" (Senatus Consultum) on the bronze coins and showed
his respect instead for the Army. Unfortunately he soon developed a brain fevor which left him unstable early in
his reign.
Caligula was Caesar from 37 - 41 AD.
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Claudius Aes
none; (VF)
(none)
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reverse: none
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Claudius was Caesar from 41 - 54 AD.
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Nero Caesar sestersius (EF)
(Y.Hafietz: Superior Auction, 1989) |
reverse
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Nero was
Caesar from 54 - 68 AD. He was the original party animal although he meant
well. He kicked his pregant wife Poppea to death (well 1 kick: but she
still died) because she was nagging him about coming home late from the
chariot races. D.Vagi's book states that Nero truly loved Poppea & it
was just a temper tantrum. Anyhow the great fire occured in Rome during 64
AD (date?). I understand that no bronze coins of Nero were made before the
fire so this piece was made after 64 but before 68.
Nero went on a big
art/party tour of Greece & when he returned he had lost popularity.
The Senate (I think) declared him a public enemy and he committed suicide
as he heard a calvary troop coming to imprision him and no doubt put him
thru a painful death. His coinage does show a high degree of artistianship
although he debased the silver slightly to pay for all his stuff.
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