Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.77 g, 9 h), P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer, Rome, first half of March 44 BC. CAESAR DICT PERPETVO Laureate head of Julius Caesar to right. Rev. P•SEPVLLIVS - MACER Venus standing front, head lowered to left, holding Victory in her right hand and long scepter adorned with star in her left. Babelon (Julia) 49 and (Sepulia) 4. Crawford 480/11. RBW 1684. Sydenham 1072. Beautifully toned and well centered, a fine example of this historically important issue. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.


In early 44 BC, Julius Caesar had himself appointed dictator perpetuo or dictator in perpetuity, a brazen act that granted him unprecedented political power. His lust for power went hand in hand with the production of coins carrying his portrait, normally associated with Greek and Eastern monarchies, to which he soon added his newly gained title. Coupled with the image of Venus, the mythical forebear of the gens Julia, on the reverse, Caesar showed himself as master of men and favorite of the gods alike. Despite his political brilliance, he severely miscalculated the degree to which his fellow senators resented his move towards monarchical rule, and perhaps mere days after this coin was struck, Caesar was brought down on 15 March in a bloody conspiracy.