The Roman Republic
The Roman Republic (509–27 BC) was the era of ancient Roman civilization when Rome was governed by elected officials and a system of checks and balances rather than a monarchy. It began after the overthrow of the last Roman king and saw the development of powerful institutions like the Senate, consuls, and popular assemblies. This period was marked by Rome’s expansion across the Italian peninsula and into the wider Mediterranean through wars, diplomacy, and alliances. Despite its republican ideals, growing inequality and internal conflict eventually led to civil wars and the rise of powerful generals like Julius Caesar, paving the way for the transition to the Roman Empire under Augustus.
Julius Caesar, AR Denarius. Traveling military mint in Northern Italy, 49–48 BC.
Silver denarius struck by Julius Caesar at the outset of the civil war against Pompey. Obv: CAESAR; elephant walking right, trampling horned serpent. Rev: Culullus, aspergillum, axe with wolf’s head, and apex. 18 mm, 3.90 g, 6 h. Crawford 443/1; Babelon Julia 9; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006. Commonly known as the “Elephant Denarius,” this was Caesar’s first issue, serving as political and religious propaganda. The elephant symbolizes victory over evil, while the priestly implements emphasize his role as pontifex maximus. Extremely Fine; sharply struck, beautifully toned, and highly attractive. From a European collection, acquired privately in 2002.
AR-Denarius, 48 BC, Rome, L. Hostilius Saserna; 3.94 g.
Head of a Gallic warrior (probably Vercingetorix) r.//Gallic warrior stands l. with shield and spear in a chariot moving on the right. Bab. 2; BMC 3994; Crawf. 448/2 a; Syd. 952.RR Fine Patina, extremely fine specimen auction Hess-Leu 45, Lucerne 1970, no. 443; the Leo Benz Collection, Lanz Auction 88, Munich 1998, no. 401 and the Fritz Rudolf Künker auction 216, Osnabrück 2012, no. 677.
L. Hostilius Saserna, Silver Denarius, Rome, 48 BC.
Issued in 48 BC during the height of the Roman Civil War, this silver denarius by L. Hostilius Saserna features a highly distinctive and finely styled portrait of a female Gaul on the obverse. Her bare head faces right, with long, disheveled hair cascading over her shoulders, and a carnyx—the curved Gallic war trumpet—appears to the left. This powerful image likely commemorates Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul, though the sympathetic rendering may reflect a broader Roman fascination with the so-called “noble barbarian.”
The reverse presents the Ephesian Artemis (Diana), shown standing frontally, laureate and robed, her long hair falling over her shoulders. She holds a spear in her left hand and gently grasps a stag by the antlers with her right. This unusual and exotic depiction, invoking the famous cult statue of Artemis at Ephesus, illustrates Rome’s integration of foreign deities and iconography into Republican propaganda. The inscriptions SASERNA (upward at left) and L•HOSTILIVS (downward at right) identify the moneyer.
Struck in Rome, the coin measures 18.50 mm in diameter, weighs 3.91 grams, and has a die axis of 2h. It is catalogued as Crawford 448/3; CRI 19; Sydenham 953; Babelon Hostilia 4; BMCRR Rome 3996–8; and RBW 1570. Lightly toned and with a slightly off-center reverse strike, this example is graded Good VF and is notable for the excellent style of its obverse portrait. Provenance: ex. H.D. Rauch Auction 70 (2002), Lot 338.
Marcus Antonius, AR Denarius. Traveling military mint, 32–31 BC.
Silver denarius struck by Mark Antony for the payment of his legions during the civil war against Octavian. Obv: Praetorian galley sailing right, scepter tied with fillet on prow; ANT·AVG above, III·VIR·R·P·C below. Rev: Aquila between two military standards; LEG IV below. 16.5 mm, 3.49 g. Crawford 544/17; Babelon Antonia 108; RRSC D 319j. Issued in the Eastern Mediterranean as part of Antony’s massive legionary series, this coin honors the fourth legion under his command. Lightly toned with iridescent hues and struck on a thick flan. About Extremely Fine.
P. Plautius Hypsaeus. AR Denarius, 60 BC.
Obv. Head of Neptune right; behind, trident; before, P YPSAE S C. Rev. Jupiter in quadriga left, holding reins and thunderbolt; behind, CEPIT; in exergue, C YPSAE COS / PRIV. Cr. 420/1a; RRSC D 212.1a. AR. 3.98 g. 18 mm. R. Rare. Sound metal and full weight. Brilliant and superb with a light golden tone. Well centred. Light gash on obverse. About EF.
L. Plautius Plancus. AR Denarius, 47 BC.
Obv. Head of Medusa facing, with coiled snake on either side; below, L. PLAVTIVS. Rev. Victory facing, holding palm branch and leading four horses; below, PLANCVS. Cr. 453/1a; B. 15; RRSC D 245a. AR. 4 g. 20 mm. Full weight and centred. Lightly toned, with iridescent hues. Areas of flat striking. About EF/Good VF.
Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, Silver Denarius, 47–46 BC.
Struck at a military mint in Africa during the Roman Civil War, this rare silver denarius was issued by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, a staunch supporter of Pompey the Great and one of Julius Caesar’s most formidable adversaries. As commander of the center line at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, Scipio played a critical role in the conflict against Caesar. After Pompey’s defeat and death, Scipio emerged as the principal leader of the Republican resistance and continued the fight from North Africa until his final defeat at the Battle of Thapsus in 46 BC, where he took his own life rather than surrender.
The coin, struck in .950 fine silver, weighs 3.86 grams and is catalogued as RRC 461/1. It features the typical stylistic and fabric characteristics of emergency military issues, produced to finance the Republican cause during its last stand. This XF example stands out for its preservation and historical importance, capturing a fleeting moment at the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of autocracy under Caesar.
Augustus, Silver Denarius, Colonia Patricia, 18 BC.
Struck at the mint of Colonia Patricia (modern Córdoba, Spain) in 18 BC, this silver denarius honors Augustus with imagery rich in imperial symbolism and ceremonial authority. The obverse features the inscription SPQR PARENTI above and CONS SVO below, framing a ceremonial toga picta—an ornate triumphal robe worn by victorious generals—draped over a tunica palmata. The garment is flanked by an aquila (eagle standard) on the left and a laurel wreath on the right, emblems of Roman military might and civic honor.
On the reverse, a slow-moving quadriga (four-horse chariot) proceeds to the right, bearing Augustus. The carriage is adorned with panels depicting Victories, while four miniature horses are set atop the vehicle itself. This complex composition celebrates Augustus’ role as both triumphant commander and restorer of peace, invoking the grandeur of Roman triumphal processions.
This silver denarius measures 18 mm in diameter and weighs 3.47 grams. It is catalogued as RIC 101 and FFC 57, and is classified as R.B.O. EBC (Very Fine, in Spanish grading). A very scarce and visually rich issue, it exemplifies the ceremonial and propagandistic artistry of early Imperial coinage.
Cnaeus Pompey, Silver Denarius, Roman Republic, c. 46–45 BC.
Struck during the final phase of the Roman Republic, this silver denarius was issued by Cnaeus Pompey the Younger, son of Pompey the Great, around 46–45 BC in Hispania. The obverse features the helmeted head of Roma facing right, a traditional personification of the Roman state and its martial virtues, symbolizing loyalty to the Republican cause in the wake of Caesar’s ascendancy.
The reverse presents a significant propagandistic image: the figure of Hispania, personified and draped, offering a palm branch to Pompey, who stands in military dress. This scene highlights the continued resistance led by Pompey’s sons in Spain following their father’s defeat and death, and serves as a direct appeal to regional support for the Republican faction. It also emphasizes Cnaeus's claim to legitimacy as heir to Pompey's legacy.
The coin weighs 3.69 grams and is catalogued as Crawford 469/1d and Sear 48. Toned and graded Very Fine, this issue is a poignant reminder of the civil war that marked the Republic’s fall, as well as the enduring symbolism wielded by Pompey's lineage in their final struggle against Caesar.
themes of divine favor and celebratory freedom.
Struck in silver, the coin measures 20 mm in diameter and weighs 3.89 grams. It is lightly toned with subtle iridescent hues and exhibits a minor striking weakness at the edge. Graded Good VF, this type is catalogued as Crawford 353/1c, Babelon Fonteia 10, and RRSC D148.1c. It is a richly allegorical issue, merging Republican identity with mythological elegance.
Mn. Fonteius C.f., Silver Denarius, 85 BC.
This elegant silver denarius was issued in 85 BC by the moneyer Mn. Fonteius C.f., a member of the plebeian Fonteia gens. The obverse features a laureate head of Apollo facing right, symbolizing divine harmony and prophecy. Below the deity is a thunderbolt, while the inscriptions MN·FONTEI (with ligatured letters) and C·F appear behind and before the portrait, respectively—identifying the moneyer as the son of Gaius Fonteius.
The reverse offers a charming and symbolic scene: Cupid is seated atop a goat moving right, a motif adapted from Hellenistic art and myth, likely alluding to the childhood of Bacchus. Above are a pair of pilei (caps of liberty), and below in the exergue is a thyrsus—both strong Dionysiac symbols. The entire scene is framed by a laurel wreath, reinforcing themes of divine favor and celebratory freedom.
Struck in silver, the coin measures 20 mm in diameter and weighs 3.89 grams. It is lightly toned with subtle iridescent hues and exhibits a minor striking weakness at the edge. Graded Good VF, this type is catalogued as Crawford 353/1c, Babelon Fonteia 10, and RRSC D148.1c. It is a richly allegorical issue, merging Republican identity with mythological elegance.
Q. Titius, Contemporary Imitation AR Denarius.
Unofficial mint, likely provincial or military camp, c. 1st Century BC. Silver denarius imitating the official issue of Q. Titius. Obv: Wreathed head of Bacchus (or Liber) right. Rev: Pegasus leaping right; Q·TITI below. 18 mm, 3.69 g. Modeled after Crawford 341/2. A remarkably well-executed contemporary imitation with excellent metal quality and preservation, possibly struck during a period of coin shortage or military exigency. Scarce in such high grade. Almost Extremely Fine (aEF).
