Obv: M. ANTON. IMP. R. P. C., (Marcus Antonius Imperator Rei Publicae Constituandae) [Imperator for] the Restoration of the Government), bare head of Mark Antony right; lituus behind. Rev: CAESAR DIC, (Caesar Dictator), bare head of Julius Caesar right; capis behind. 43 BC. (18 mm, 3.55 g, 10h). Military mint traveling with Antony in Cisalpine Gaul. Crawford 488/2; CRI 123; Sydenham 1166; RSC 3. Ex Savoca 98th Blue Auction, Lot 1092, (March 2021). While a bust of Mark Antony is a bonus, I mostly bought this coin for the nicer portraiture of Caesar on the reverse with his name and title 'Dictator' being clear. This coin marks the first appearance of Mark Antony's name, minted approximately a year after Julius Caesar's assassination. Following his defeat at Mutina on April 21, 43 BC, Antony retreated to southern Gaul. After the settlement in November 43 BC among Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus, resulting in the formation of the Second Triumvirate, Antony introduced these coins displaying both his and Caesar's portraits. While Octavian, now referred to as Caesar, rose to prominence, this propaganda likely aimed at Antony's soldiers, who had a fondness for Caesar. Antony, in search of a connection, included symbols of various offices previously held by both Caesar and himself, such as the augurate, showing their shared roles and asserting Antony as Caesar's successor. Although, I believe this coin could have simply intended to portray Caesar as a close friend of Antony. A nice upgrade to my other Caesar's portrait coin along with his comet, minted by Augustus celebrating the Secular games (Ludi Saeculares) in 17 BC. Please share your coins of these Imperators.
AUGUSTUS (OCTAVIAN) AE Dupondius OBVERSE: CAESAR DIVI F, bare head of Octavian right REVERSE: DIVOS IVLIVS, wreathed head of Julius Caesar right Gallic or Italian mint 38 BC 30mm; 17.90 g CR535/v1, RPC620v
Great historical piece! Alas, I cannot. But I’m currently working on it. Trying to add a lifetime Caesar portrait coin to my Twelve Caesars collection has proven tougher lately than it did for me the first time I did the Twelve Caesars, a decade ago. Here’s the one I had in that previous 12C set. A budget example, for sure, but a lifetime issue from that crucial year of 44 BC, and with most of Caesar’s name present on the flan. I got it for just under $500 USD (before slabbing). Nowadays I don’t think that could be done, even for a “budget” example.
It's hard enough to find a denarius of Caesar within budget, much harder to get one of his portrait, and much much harder to find a lifetime portrait denarius. This is my most expensive silver coin, towards the upper limit to what I'd pay for an ancient silver regardless of its significance. I just came across this listing of a life time portrait of Caesar on Ma-shops just days after I've bought my current coin, and it's listed only for ~500 usd. The cheapest I've seen for this type. I know you care a lot about the condition, but this is just too good of a deal if you want! https://www.ma-shops.com/kalchhauser/item.php?id=2524
Thanks, that does seem like a pretty good deal. A lifetime portrait denarius for well under 500 bucks, with most of CAESAR on the flan, like my old one I bought more than a decade ago. I didn’t think that was still possible! But I’m keeping to a minimum grade of Fine in my collection, this time around. Still, there is a VG-ish example out there that is tempting me to compromise my minimum grade standard. A lifetime portrait JC is gonna cost me some money, otherwise. Maybe I’ll bite the bullet and spend four figures, or maybe I’ll compromise. Time will tell. So far I keep falling far short in the competition at auction…
