Roman Republic: Julius Caesar, as Imperator (ca. January-February 44 BC), with Lucius Aemilius Buca, as Moneyer. AR denarius (19mm, 3.96 gm, 7...

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Julius Caesar, as Imperator (ca. January-February 44 BC), with Lucius Aemilius Buca, as Moneyer. AR denarius (19mm, 3.96 gm, 7h). NGC AU 4/5 - 4/5. Rome. CAESAR•IM, laureate head of Julius Caesar right; P M divided by crescent behind / L•AEMILIVS-BVCA, Venus Victrix standing left, Victory left in outstretched right hand, scepter in left. Crawford 480/4. Sydenham 1060. Julia 34 and Aemilia 13. Russet toning backlights the portrait.

From The Peh Family Collection, Part II. Ex Heritage Auctions, Auction 3011 (14 April 2011), lot 246.

For two centuries, Rome had spurned the Hellenistic practice of placing the ruler's portrait on the coinage of the realm, much as they rejected the concept of kingship altogether. So early in 44 BC, many Romans must have been stunned to see the image of Julius Caesar, recently appointed dictator for an unprecedented fourth time, on circulating silver denarii. Like a profusion of other honors and titles, the right to place his image on coins had been bestowed on Caesar by the Roman Senate. Caesar's enemies may have had an ulterior motive in approving the honor, as it almost certainly would fuel the growing suspicion that Caesar intended to name himself king of Rome. If this was the intent, it succeeded, for within three months a conspiracy had been formed and Caesar was duly assassinated at a meeting of the Senate on March 15, 44 BC. The obverse legend acclaims Caesar as "Imperator," or victorious general. Within a few years, Caesar's successors and even his assassins would show no compunction about putting their portraits on their coins.

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