The Gallic Chieftain Vercingetorix

Sale: CNG 76, Lot: 1256. Estimate $2000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2007.  Sold For $3750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (3.95 g, 9h). Rome mint. Head of Gallic captive (Vercingetorix?) right, Gallic shield behind / Two warriors in galloping biga right, one driving and the other holding shield and brandishing spear. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; Sydenham 952; Hostilia 2. EF, handsome gray and gold toning, small area of flat strike on forehead. Excellent silver quality.

From Collection C.G. Ex Coin Galleries (19 February 1998), lot 300.

The obverse portrait has sometimes been identified as the famous chief of the Arverni, Vercingetorix, whom Julius Caesar captured in 52 BC in Alesia.