Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.30 gm, 12h). NGC Fine 4/5 - 2/5, marks. Sicily, perhaps Lilybaion, under A. Allienus, ca. 47 BC. C•CAESAR-IMP•COS•ITER, diademed and draped bust of Venus right / A•ALLIENVS-PRO•COS, Trinacrus standing left, right foot on prow, holding triskeles in right hand and cloak in left. Crawford 457/1. CRI 54. RSC 1. RCV 1401. This very rare type was minted when Caesar stopped over in Sicily in late 47 BC while preparing for his assault on Pompeian forces in north Africa. Aulus Allienus, Caesar's proconsul of Sicily, is named as the moneyer. The reverse shows Trinacrus, a son of Neptune, whose name probably derives from an alternate name of Sicily, Tinacria ("three cornered land"). Though minted in relatively small quantities, these coins saw heavy circulation, and most surviving examples display considerable wear.

HID09801242017

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