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Julius Caesar; 49 - 44BC
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Struck ca. 45 BC; Lampsacus, Mysia
Obv: C G I L (Colonia Gemella(?) Iulia Lampsacus), laureate head of Julius Caesar right; countermark: ΛAE monogram in a rectangular punch.
Rev: priest plowing with two oxen, marking the pomerium (sacred boundary marking the foundation of a new Roman colony), Q LVCRETIO / L PONTIO in two lines above, II VIR before bull's forelegs, M TVRIO LEG in exergue
6.88 grams / 19.66 mm
(ex. FORVM Ancient Coins)
This type was the second issue to definitively feature a lifetime portrait of Julius Caesar, the first being an issue from Bithynia minted ca. 47/6 BC (RPC I 2026). Both of these bronze issues precede the earliest appearance of his portrait on a coin minted at Rome, that being the denarii of M. Mettius issued in January 44 BC.
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