TIF Made Me Do It

After seeing TIF's beautiful example a time or two (or three or four), I've been on the lookout for one of these. And although this one is not at all as nice as TIF's example, it's mine and it was a bargain (what? Did you expect anything else?).

L JULIUS CAESAR ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS JULIA
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: CAESAR Head of Mars left in crested helmet
REVERSE: Venus Genettris with scepter, in chariot drawn by two Cupids left, lyre in field, contolmark above, L IVLI L F in ex.
Struck at Rome, 103BC
3.85g, 17mm
Cr320/1, Syd 593a.

From TIF's web page:
L. Julius Caesar, grandfather of Marc Anthony and cousin of Julius Caesar of Ides of March fame, was one of the earliest members of the family to attain the consulship. Governor of Macedonia in 94 BC, and consul during the Social War, he passed the basic law which offered Roman citizenship to the Italian allies; as censor along with P. Licinius Crassus, grandfather of the triumvir, he helped to enroll the first of them. He was an opponent of Marius and was killed on the latter's return to Rome in 87 BC. He was also the grandfather of Mark Antony. (modified from CNG's archives)

Why Venus Genetrix?

The Julian family claimed descent from Venus through the Trojan exile Aeneas. As for the use of Cupid on this coin, Cupid/Eros is by some accounts the infant of Venus.

If you would like to read more on this coin or see some of TIF's fabulous collection: http://www.tifcollection.com/#!l-julius-lf-caesar-denarius/c2c

Post your unusual modes of transportation if you please.

 

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Good thing I'm over 65 and not 20............

 

Great write-up and neat coin. I don't have one. It sucks for me.

 

Heck, I'd take that one in a heartbeat! Congrats on a great find

 

All I see is a great coin with some honest wear from ancient use. I've been looking for one too and would have been more than happy with one like yours. Congrats!

 

I sympathize with others "making" you buy coins. Carthago was responsible for one of my recent auction purchases, although he didn't know it. I'll show it when it arrives, along with three other dandy Republicans

 

I can't believe I'm saying this but you all lately have me craving to add to my small and neglected Republican collection, and my small coin budget has already run out for the time being

 

10/10!

 

Great coin Bing, congrats!

 

Ahhh... Welcome to the Darkest of the Dark Side... Welcome to Republican Rome...

 

@Bing LOVE that coin! Exactly the type, wear, and history I enjoy! Just read a couple books on the Social War recently, and L. Iulius Caesar was a busy man!

 

Nice write up Bing. Excellent addition. Keep'em coming.

 

Thank you all for your comments. I now have chariots drawn by Cupids, lions, and goats. A few of you have snakes pulling the chariots which I need to find in my price range. Anyone know of other strange biga setups?

 

Swans!

 

Like 'em Noob, but how about on coins?

 

I'd love one of those too and even in that condition, congrats.

 

nice new RR bing! i always thought that was a awesome coin as well!

i really don't have any strange transport coins.

here a coin with a fellow being "transported" by a serpent, he'll be transported in one form or another for 24-48 hours probably.

 

That's an awesome OP-addition, big brother (congrats on adding to your already awesome AR RR collection)

Ummm, I always smile when I see my ancient Santa example ...

 

Hippocamps!


ROMAN REPUBLIC
Q. Crepereius M. f. Rocus
Serrate denarius
3.69g, 18mm
Rome mint, 72 BC
Crawford 399/1b
O: Bust of Amphitrite right, seen from behind, control marks to left and right.
R: Neptune in biga of hippocamps, brandishing trident, control mark above; Q. CREPER. M. F. ROCVS in two lines below.
Ex Andrew McCabe Collection