12 Caesars: Julius Caesar

zumbly · Aug 18, 2017

Wonderful presentation and coins. I'm looking forward to what's to come!

I'm going to squeak my JC in before AncientJoe has a chance to post his .

JULIUS CAESAR
AR Denarius. 3.77g, 19mm. Rome mint, struck by L. Aemilius Buca, February - March 44 BC. Crawford 480/8; Sydenham 1061; RCV 1411. O: CAESAR DICT PERPETVO , wreathed head of Caesar facing right. R: L BVCA , Venus standing left, holding Victory and a sceptre.
Ex David Sellwood Collection; Ex Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin (1 Oct 1977) Lot 793

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PMONNEY · Aug 18, 2017

IdesOfMarch01 said: ↑

This is my 1,000th post on this site, and I thought I’d mark the occasion by kicking off a presentation of (most of) my small collection. Having almost completed my 12 Caesars collection (lacking only a lifetime portrait sestertius of Tiberius), it seems worthwhile to present it via a series of written vignettes about each of the emperors. I’ll be doing this sporadically over the next weeks, with a new emperor or view every so often as time and whim permit.

I’ll start with “mint sets” of each emperor. My definition of a mint set is: a small bronze (as or dupondius), sestertius, denarius, and aureus. While I realize this is taking great liberty in the definition of “mint set,” it turns out to be (at least for me) an interesting way to view both the emperor and representative coins of that reign.

None of these coins is new -- they've all been posted on this site previously. The writeups of each emperor are new, though, in the hope that they provide some previously undiscovered insights.

Foreword

I’ve always had the following criteria for choosing the coins in my 12 Caesars collection: (1) the obverse must be a portrait of the Caesar; (2) the coin, if possible, must be a lifetime issue; (3) the mint must be an imperial mint (i.e., coins listed in RIC Volumes I and II, although not applicable to Julius Caesar or the Imperatorial coins I’ll be showing); (4) minimal smoothing and no tooling, especially for bronzes.

Additional criteria which I strived to achieve, on an opportunistic basis, were: (5) condition of good VF, or preferably, EF; and last but not least, (6) an interesting reverse type. Not all my coins presented me with these last opportunities, so some have been selected just on criteria 1 - 4.

From a size perspective, my collection is very modest compared to most of the collectors on this site: 48 coins, of which 44 are imperial coins of the 12 Caesars, and four are what I describe as “imperatorial period” coins. Despite its small size, it has taken over nine years to complete, a testimony to the difficulty of finding appropriate coins that meet my criteria above. What my collection lacks in quantity is (I hope) made up in other areas.

Finally, a word about focusing on a “set” and why the 12 Caesars. In various threads on this site there have been disparate opinions on whether a collector of ancients should focus on some sort of theme, or instead collect across all ranges of ancient coins that have some semblance of interest or curiosity to the collector. I had collected for about a year before I realized that I was intensely interested in the 12 Caesars period for a very simple reason: It’s arguably the most dynamic, formative, and compelling historical period not only of the Roman Empire but of Euro-centric civilization as a whole. Much of its history is represented in its coins, and holding these coins in one’s hand fires the imagination and extends one’s appreciation and insight into an era and empire whose range and standards of living (as in the ancient city of Rome during the period of the 12 Caesars) would not be equaled for 1500 years. Additionally, collecting the coins in this period provides an unbroken history stretching from 44 BC to 96 AD, giving a real sense of continuity to the dynasties and events that transpired during their reigns.

About the photographs: For the most part, the photos are those taken by the auction house and used in their online or printed catalogs. While not perfect, these are generally good photos, and I simply don’t have the patience to try to improve on them. In some cases I’ll make the observation that a coin “looks better in hand,” but (with only a few exceptions that I’ll note) I haven’t attempted to improve on the original photographs to illustrate this.

Julius Caesar

View attachment 665693
(Wikipedia image)

Entire books have been written about Julius Caesar, and no attempt will be made to provide any lengthy history of his life. There are, however, two notable early military efforts that illuminate Caesar’s persistence and tactical thinking as a leader of the Roman armies, as well as the indispensability and brilliance of the anonymous Roman engineers.

Bridge Across the Rhine

In 55 BC, Julius Caesar decided to confront some marauding Germanic tribes in the eastern border of Gaul. These tribes felt safe on the eastern side of the Rhine, thinking the river provided cover from any retaliatory attacks after their raids across the river into the province. Caesar wanted to teach them a lesson as well as show support for a local tribe supported by the Romans.

Upon reaching the Rhine, his engineers proceeded to build a quasi-permanent (i.e., non-pontoon) bridge across the river in just 10 days. Here’s an illustration of what the bridge was thought to look like:

View attachment 665696
(Wikipedia image)

The bridge, located most likely between Andernach and Neuwied, has been estimated to be between 450 and 1300 feet long, with a width between 23 and 30 feet. The depth of the Rhine reaches 30 feet in some places, and 40,000 Roman soldiers crossed the bridge to engage the rogue tribes. However, the tribes had moved eastward and had combined in preparation for battle with the Romans, so Caesar decided to simply leave the region and deconstruct the bridge behind him.

This engineering feat, especially in pre-first-century conditions, is simply staggering to contemplate. Yet Caesar simply took for granted such abilities in his military planning, and this level of reliability in his engineers might have been one of the foundations of his success as a military leader and emperor.

Siege of Alesia

Similar engineering feats, although not necessarily as mind-boggling as the Rhine bridge, were necessary in one of Caesar’s greatest military triumphs – the siege of Alesia. Historical accounts describe this effort as both offensive and defensive in nature.

Fought against a confederation of Gallic tribes lead by Vercingetorix, the siege of Alesia in 52 BC is considered one of Caesar’s greatest military achievements and marked the end of Celtic dominance in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Northern Italy. Interestingly, despite its history and significance, it’s still not 100% certain where it took place. Most historians place it atop Mont Auxois, which is above modern day Alise-Sainte-Reine in France, while other historians point out that this geography doesn’t fit Caesar’s description of the battle. The leading proposed alternative location is Chaux-des-Crotenay in Jura, in modern France.

This much is certain: Alesia was a hill-top fortress surrounded by river valleys. As with all such locations, it was highly defensible and a frontal assault would have been doomed to failure. Rather than direct battle, Caesar chose a siege, cutting off the fortress from outside contact and hoping to eventually force a surrender through attrition and starvation. Since Alesia included about 80,000 soldiers (commanded by Vercingetorix of the Arverni) in addition to civilian population, a well-organized siege could be effective in a short period of time.

View attachment 665697
(Wikipedia image)

Again calling upon his engineers, Caesar ordered the construction of over 11 miles of 13-feet high walls around Alesia, finished in just three weeks. Inwards from this wall two ditches were dug, each of which was 15 feet wide by 15 feet deep. The ditch nearest the wall was filled with water from the surrounding rivers, and supplemented with man-traps, deep holes in front of the ditches, and regularly spaced watch towers.

Despite these fortifications, a group of soldiers managed to escape through an unfinished section, presumably to raise more soldiers for a relief force. To guard against such a relief force attacking them from the outside, Caesar constructed a second line of similar fortifications, containing his army (probably outnumbered by as much as 4:1) within the inner and outer walls.

With conditions worsening in Alesia, Vercingetorix expelled the women and children from the fortress, hoping Caesar would allow them to escape through the fortifications. However, Caesar simply ordered nothing to be done about these civilians, many of whom starved in this “no man’s land.” But the relief force had arrived by this time and was preparing to attack Caesar’s army from the outside.

The Romans too were suffering from lack of food and low morale, and although the first simultaneous attack was rebuffed in a daylight battle, the second attack on the following day focused on a weakness in the fortifications that had been uncovered by the Gauls, but which Caesar had tried to hide: an area in the zone whose natural topography and obstructions had made it impossible to completely wall it in. Although close to defeat, Caesar personally led a counterattack against the relief forces and despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered (the exact numbers are somewhat fuzzy and still disputed), pushed back the relief force causing them to break up and flee, becoming easy prey for the more disciplined Roman army. Upon seeing this, Vercingetorix surrendered without a final battle.

As brilliant and heroic Caesar’s leadership was in this siege, the fundamental and essential role of the Roman military engineers paved the way for his greatness as a battle commander.

Assassination

Although Caesar had been declared dictator perpetuo by the Roman Senate, this made a number of senators fear the end of the Republic would inevitably follow, with Caesar overthrowing the Senate and becoming a tyrant. On March 15, 44 BC – the Ides of March – Caesar was stabbed to death by a number of senators, in a location adjacent to the Theater of Pompey. Ironically and unfortunately, Caesar’s assassination led to the ensuing civil wars (the Imperatorial Period), failing to restore the republic, and setting the stage for centuries of rule by Emperors of the Roman Empire.

The Coins

View attachment 665698

No official Imperial bronzes (as, dupondius, or sestertius) of Julius Caesar were issued during his lifetime. In fact, Julius Caesar was the first emperor to issue denarii showing his own likeness on the coin – a fact that may have ultimately led to his assassination by the senate, who became alarmed that Caesar might not intend to return Rome to its days as a republic. My portrait denarius of Julius Caesar is a lifetime issue, struck approximately one month prior to his assassination. Its portrait is one of the more artistic renderings of Julius Caesar, with a little weakness on the obverse laurel wreath but very well centered and struck otherwise.

Portrait aurei of Julius Caesar were not struck during his lifetime. However, as Octavian mounted his campaign to become the next Roman emperor, he struck portrait aurei of Julius Caesar posthumously to curry favor with the people of Rome. Harlan Berk estimates this particular issue at 35 known aurei today. Curiously, Berk describes this number as “relatively common compared to other republican or imperatorial aurei” for those wishing to collect this aureus. I find that characterization a bit of an overstatement, but I’ve managed to find a total of 30 of these coins via ACSEARCH; the other 34 of you out there who have one of these, feel free to post them.

Most of these coins were crudely struck, by mints moving with Octavian on his various military campaigns. My own coin has what I consider to be one of the most artistic and compelling portraits of Julius Caesar on an aureus. The legends are complete and visible although a bit worn.

Feel free to post your Julius Caesar issues, lifetime or posthumous, portrait or not.

Next: The Imperatorial Period
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Congratulations for very beautiful porraits of Caesar, seldom avalable in this condition ! Here is my Caesar,perhaps "second best".

David Atherton · Aug 18, 2017

A wonderful idea for a thread illustrated by some superb coins! I can't wait to see what you with the Flavians.

Volodya · Aug 18, 2017

I finally snapped a down and dirty phone pic of one of my Caesar elephants. Might as well post it here:

Carthago · Aug 18, 2017

Lovely write up by Ides. Here's a couple for the thread.

jamesicus · Aug 18, 2017

@IdesOfMarch01 - I think your CAESAR DICT PERPETVO denarius is spectacular -- one of the finest I have encountered.

An outstanding write-up also -- thank you!

Here is my far inferior coin:

JULIUS CAESAR

Denarius, Crawford, Roman Republican Coins (RRC), No. 480/8 (March 44 BC - Alföldi)

Coin obverse depiction: Julius Caesar laureate bust facing right

Inscription clockwise from right: CAESAR DICT PERPETVO

Coin reverse depiction: Venus standing, facing left, holding statuette of victory on palm of right hand and supporting vertical scepter with left hand.

Inscription vertical to right: L BVCA (Moneyer)

Rough surfaces: Often found on lifetime Julius Caesar portrait coins

PS: Congratulations on your 1000th post! I am eagerly looking forward to your follow-up posts to this thread.

PMONNEY · Aug 18, 2017

Carthago said: ↑

Lovely write up by Ides. Here's a couple for the thread.

View attachment 666112 View attachment 666113
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If perfection exists, these two coins meet the qualification.

Nathan401 · Aug 18, 2017

Amazing coins, all!! Nothing comparable to share...yet!! Thanks!

dlhill132 · Aug 18, 2017

Awesome coins everyone!

~Doug

PMONNEY · Aug 19, 2017

Cucumbor said: ↑

Gorgeous presentation and of course coins IOM (what else to expect from you ?)

No lifetime portrait to show but some denarii anyway, hopefully not too bad

Julius Caesar, Denarius minted in Italy, c.49 BC
CAESAR, elephant walking rigth, trampling on snake
No legend, Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and apex
4.05 gr
Ref : HCRI # 9, RCV #1399, Cohen #49

Julius Caesar, Denarius minted in North Africa c.47-46 BC
No legend, Diademed head of Venus right
CAESAR, Aeneas left, bearing Anchises on his shoulder
3.91 gr
Ref : HCRI # 55, RCV #1402, Cohen #12

Julius Caesar, Denarius minted in North Africa in 46 BC
COS TERT / DICT ITER, head of Ceres right
AVGVR / PONT MAX, simpulum, sprinkler, capis and lituum, D in right field
3,81 gr
Ref : HCRI # 57, RCV # 1403/1, RSC # 4a, Cohen # 4

Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Denarius minted in 43 BC
M ANTO IMP RPC, Head of Mark Antony right, lituus behind him
CAESAR DIC, Head of Caesar right, jug behind him
3.76 gr
Ref : HCRI # 123, RCV #1465, Cohen #3

Q
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Magnificent examples !

Jwt708 · Aug 19, 2017

Great post and coins @IdesOfMarch01 ! Looking forward to the rest.

IdesOfMarch01 · Aug 19, 2017

Sallent said: ↑

Your coins are simply superb. I am trying to do a 12 Caesars set too, but being a bottom feeder, my criteria are less strict than yours.

1) obverse lifetime portrait coin of each Caesar.
2) Coins can be provincial or Imperial, and no less than a gF grade.
3) Minimal smoothing at most, and no tooling.

But then again, I have to be realistic, given that my average price per coin is in the high $80s.

Here is my Caesar.

View attachment 665705

Incidentally, this is only one of 3 coins in my collection that exceed the $500 mark. I paid a pretty penny, $900 to be exact. But given the opportunity and the condition of the coin, I don't think I did too terribly bad price wise. At least I think so. No idea, what do you think?
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Absolutely! An amazing coin for that price.

AncientJoe said: ↑

Although, I'd be surprised if there were that few coins in existence - anecdotally, I've seen quite a few in older catalogs but haven't tried to build a census. I know the ANS has two, Berlin has one, and the BM has at least two. A quick search on CoinArchives shows at least 33 examples (many of which are low grade). I'll need to do a more comprehensive search soon, or perhaps someone has done a die study and has a view into available examples.
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I suspect Berk's number is too low. Just on ACSEARCH I could find 30 different examples, which surprised me and leads me to believe that the number is higher than 35. Most are, as mentioned, not very artistically engraved or well struck, but their historical interest is enormous.

Thanks to everyone for their posts and compliments!

jamesicus · Aug 24, 2017

A little trivia:

I was going to save this until 15 March 2018. However, I am not sure I will still be here by that date -- a doleful thought I know, but, in the words of Augustus McCrae: "Life is short, shorter for some than others" So, just in case ..........

http://www.cricketcountry.com/artic...mbering-the-cricketer-on-ides-of-march-111369

randygeki · Aug 24, 2017

jamesicus said: ↑

A little trivia:

I was going to save this until 15 March 2018. However, I am not sure I will still be here by that date -- a doleful thought I know, but, in the words of Augustus McCrae: "Life is short, shorter for some than others" So, just in case ..........

http://www.cricketcountry.com/artic...mbering-the-cricketer-on-ides-of-march-111369
Click to expand...

An interesting read. Looking forward to you posting it again in March.

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12 Caesars: Julius Caesar

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12 Caesars: Julius Caesar

zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

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PMONNEY Flaminivs

Attached Files:

CAESARIMP.jpg

CAESARIMPrev.jpg

David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

Volodya Junior Member

Carthago Does this look infected to you?

jamesicus Well-Known Member

PMONNEY Flaminivs

Nathan401 Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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