Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

Julius Caesar. Dictator from 49 BC, assassinated 44 BC. Silver Denarius (3.89 g), 43 BC. Rome. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right. Reverse L FLAMINIVS III VIR, female figure (Venus or Pax) standing facing, head left, holding caduceus and scepter. Crawford 485/1; HCRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26. Well struck on a large flan. A remarkable realistic portrait of fine style. Attractive old cabinet tone with a hint of iridescense. Superb Extremely Fine.

We know very little about the moneyer Chilo, and it may be that he should be identified with the 'Cillo' who was proscribed late in the year that this coin was struck, having run afoul of the Triumvirs, Antony and Octavian. If so, this obviously pro-Caesarian type did not save him.

The identity of the female figure on the reverse is uncertain. The type resembles the moneyer issues of the preceding year, which portray Venus standing left, holding Victory and scepter. In this case, however, the goddess holds a caduceus, a symbol most associated with the personification Felicitas or happiness. It may be that instead of Venus the figure is the goddess Pax. Pax is often shown holding a caduceus, which represents the stability associated with peaceful times.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.