In the Name of Aulus Hirtius

Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 135. Estimate $150.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $475. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CELTIC, Northeast Gaul. Treveri. Circa 50-30 BC. Æ 16mm (2.48 g, 2h). Struck in the name of A. Hirtius, imperator, circa 49-45 BC. Elephant walking right, trampling on horned serpent; [A] HIR[TIVS] in exergue / Simpulum, sprinkler, axe (surmounted by a wolf's head), and apex (priest's hat). D&T 612; Depeyrot, NC VII, 102; De la Tour 9235; RPC 501. VF, dark-green patina with some hard green and earthen deposits, light overall roughness.

From the Patrick Villemur Collection. Ex Poinsignon/Barthold (16 March 1985), lot 102.

Aulus Hirtius is best known for writing a number of texts on military subjects, and was consul following the assassination of Caesar. During his early career he served as a legate of Caesar in the Gallic Wars, and was governor of Transalpine Gaul in 45 BC. After Caesar's death, Hirtius was originally a supporter of Antony, but changed allegiance to Octavian following the advice of Cicero. He was killed while assisting Octavian during the siege of Mutina in 43 BC.