Roman Republic, Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. c. 48 BC
Roman Republic, Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. c. 48 BC
AR Denarius, 3.93g (19mm, 10h).
Bearded head of Gallic captive (Vercingetorix?) r, with chain around neck, Gallic shield behind / ; Nude Gallic warrior, holding shield in his left hand and hurling spear with his right, standing left in a galloping biga being driven to right by a seated charioteer holding a whip L•HOSTILIVS - SASERN around.
Pedigree: Ex SKA Bern, Auction 5, 18 April 1986, lot 313; Ex NAC 83, 20 May 2015, lot 399. From the Collection of a Mentor
References: Babelon Hostilia 2. Sydenham 952. Sear Imperators 18. RBW 1569. Crawford 448/2a.
Grade: Mostly complete which is difficult for this type, just slight wear on reverse. Nicely struck with some iridescence. Good EF
rr1316
Scroll down for more information about this coin.
Struck in 48 BC, this coin was issued by L. Hostilius Saserna. Known chiefly as a Republican moneyer and as a member of the Hostilii family, Hostilius was responsible for a number of interesting and popular late republican denarii. He was also the brother of Publius Saserna, a supporter of Julius Caesar. His support of Caesar is perhaps why he chose to display the personification of Gaul on the obverse of this type, given Caesar’s well-known connection to the province. This type clearly points to a glorification of Caesars victories in Gaul. Whether the Gallic figure is actually the famed Vercingetorix or just an allusion to the Gallic people remains to be confirmed. Either way, it makes more an interesting and much loved type.