CNG 88, Lot: 1173. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.70 g, 2h). Rome mint. Head of Gallic captive (Vercingetorix?) right; Gallic shield behind / Two warriors in galloping biga right: one driving, holding whip and reins, and the other, facing backwards, holding shield and brandishing spear. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; Sydenham 952; Hostilia 2. Good VF, toned, minor scratches, tics, cleaning marks before face, and a few light edge test cuts.

From the Sierra Collection.

This coin’s obverse may depict Vercingetorix, chief of the Arverni, who was captured in 52 BC at Alesia. Though Crawford and Sear believe this identification unlikely, the large, distinctive, and carefully engraved head suggests the die cutter worked with an eye toward creating an individualized portrait, rather than a stylized personification of a Gaul.