Ancient Roman Imperatorial - 46 BCE Julius Caesar AV Aureus NGC Choice AU - moneyer A.Hirtius

A truly stunning work of Ancient Roman numismatic art!

ROMAN REPUBLIC. Julius Caesar (60-44 BC). AV Aureus ND (46 BC), Rome Mint. NGC Choice AU 4/5 5/5. Gold - 8.02 g - 20.5 mm. Obverse: C. CAESAR COS. TER. Bust of veiled Vesta on the right. Reverse: A. HIRTIVS. PR. Pontifical instruments: lituus, vase and axe. Sources: Calico 37 - RRC.466/1 - Syd.1018; – This piece Comes from an Ars Classica XIII sale, 1928, no. 988, then Jean Vinchon Numismatique, Paris, May 10, 1979, no. 23. Strikes on a wide and oblong blank. Beautiful style with full reverse.

This is perhaps the sole surviving sculpture of Julius Caesar produced during his lifetime. Archaeological Museum of Turin, Italy. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Aulus Hirtius was a significant adherent of Julius Caesar who, had events turned out differently, very well may have succeeded him. A veteran combatant, Hirtius served as Caesar’s legate in Gaul beginning in 54 BC and was envoy to Pompey in 50 BC.

Due to his loyal service during the Civil War against Pompey and his heirs in 48-45 BC, Caesar appointed Hirtius mint master of Rome, where he struck the first large issue of gold aurei from the plunder of Caesar’s campaigns. These aurei, which carry the image of a veiled woman's head on the obverse, were utilized to pay Caesar's troops after the grand triumphal parade. 

Later, Hirtius supported Marc Antony after the assassination of Caesar. However, after becoming Consul in 43 BC, he raised an army to confront Antony at the encouragement of Cicero and Octavian. 

His forces defeated Antony at Mutina in April of 43 BC, but Hirtius was killed during that battle. His consular colleague Pansa died a few days later, which left Octavian and Antony in charge of Rome. Modern historians are thankful to Hirtius for preserving and editing Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic and Civil Wars.