Ancient Roman Imperatorial - 46 BCE Julius Caesar AV Aureus NGC Fine - moneyer Aulus Hirtius

This is an example of Roman Imperial Coinage, which stretches from the Battle of Actium (31 BCE) to Late Antiquity (491 CE). NGC Fine, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. 7.88gr. This issue was struck by Caesar's loyal praetor, Aulus Hirtius. The obverse presents a female head (perhaps Vesta or Pietas) facing right, with a border of beads, and the legend C CAESAR COS TER (Gaius Caesar, Consul for the Third Time). Hirtius is attributed as the mintmaster of this coin. The reverse says A HIRTIVS P R, with lituus, capis and securis, turned left. These are emblems of the augurate and pontificate. Cr-466/1; CRI-56; Calico-37; Syd-1018.

Aulus Hirtius died in battle fighting against Marc Anthony (above) at Mutina in April of 43 BC. Bust of Marc Antony on display at the Vatican. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Aulus Hirtius was an important supporter of Julius Caesar who, had events turned out differently, very well may have succeeded him. A veteran soldier, Hirtius served as Caesar’s legate in Gaul starting 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 moneyer of Rome, where he minted 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.