This coin is one of the coins minted shortly before Julius Caesar’s assassination, on the infamous Ides of March, March 15, 44 BC, announcing him as perpetual dictator. It is said that these coins helped kill him. Romans of the republic were leery of anyone becoming too powerful or wanting to become king. Additionally, living Romans were not portrayed on coins. Though I am somewhat of a fan of Caesar, it is hard to find fault with Brutus, Cassius, and the rest for taking him out.
If you would like to see what a very, very nice sample of this coin looks like, click here. Note the price of the coin in the link and you will see why mine is so beat up. :) I’m not complaining though, I love this coin.
Julius Caesar. 44 BC. AR Denarius. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer.
Obverse: CAESAR D[CT PER]PETVO, laureate head right.
Reverse: L BVCA, winged caduceus and fasces in saltire; axe, globe, and clasped hands in angles.
Crawford 480/6; CRI 103; Sydenham 1063; RSC 25. 18mm - 2.90 g.
The reverse of this coin shows a famous scene from Roman legend — the rape of the Sabine women. The word “rape” in this case is from the Latin “raptio,” which means “abduction.”
According to legend, after filling the city with shepherds, thieves, and and runaway slaves, Romulus invited all of the neighbors of the city to a show of games and seized their women.
The obverse of the coin show King Tatius, the Sabine King.
L. Titurius L.f Sabinus, 89 BC, AR Denarius.
Obverse: Head of Tatius right, “TA” monogram in front.
Reverse: Two roman soldiers, each carries a woman in his arms.
Tituria 1, 3.88 gm.
I received this coin a few days ago. It is a republican denarius minted during the Social war. “Social” is from the Latin “socii”, which means allies. It was a war between Rome and some of its Italian allies.
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi. 90 BC. AR Denarius
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right; H behind, G before.
Reverse: Horseman galloping right, carrying palm; caduceus above; C below.
Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 670d; Calpurnia 11. 19mm - 4.03 g.
