Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 777. Estimate $4000.  Closing Date: Monday, 13 January 2003.  Sold For $8500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Valerius Asisculus. Circa 45 BC. AR Denarius (3.27 gm). Laureate head of Zeus right, pickax (acisculus) and ACISCVLVS behind, all in laurel-wreath / Anguipede Giant facing, grasping Jupiter's thunderbolt which has struck his flank, and raising hand in agony, L VALERIVS in exergue. Crawford 474/4 (same dies); CRI 93; Sydenham 1003; Valeria 21. VF, scattered porosity, recently cleaned. Nonetheless, one of the rarest of Roman Republican denarii, valued at £1300 in Roman Silver Coins. ($4000)

The head of Zeus within laurel wreath and the vanquished Giant are clear references to a glorious victory, which can only be that of Caesar over his enemies. Sear suggests this association of Caesar with godhead was another irritant to those factions opposing him, and may have lead to the quick demise of this coin type.