Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 136. Estimate $150.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $450. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CELTIC, Northeast Gaul. Uncertain tribe. ‘Athiidiacos’. Circa 50-30 BC. Æ 16mm (3.16 g, 3h). Struck in the name of A. Hirtius, imperator, circa 45-44 BC. AΘIIDIACI, draped male bust right / A • HIR • IMP, lion standing right on ground line. D&T 675; Depeyrot, NC V, 164; De la Tour 8086; RPC I 503a. Near EF, black-green patina with blue-gray overtones.

From the Patrick Villemur Collection.

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.