Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Aureus (Gold, 23 mm, 8.12 g, 12 h), Rome, January 44. CAES DIC - QVAR Diademed bust of Venus to right. Rev. COS QVINC within laurel wreath. Babelon (Julia) 30. Calicó 42. Crawford 481/1. CRI 117. RBW 1694. Sydenham 1021. Rare and struck on an exceptionally broad and medallic flan, a beautiful example. Minor scuffs and faint scratches, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This unusual coin, remarkable for the elegant simplicity of its reverse, commemorates Caesar’s fifth consulship in January 44 BC. The obverse records his fourth dictatorship, which he had assumed in 45 BC and which, shortly thereafter, between 26 January and 15 February, was converted into the famous lifelong dictatorship, with Caesar now styled dictator perpetuo. Our aureus must therefore have been minted in January 44 and may have been issued for the celebrations accompanying his assumption of the consulship.