130, Lot: 300. Estimate $750. Sold for $1850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JULIUS CAESAR. January 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.66 g). M. Mettius, moneyer. Laureate head right; lituus behind / Juno Sospita, brandishing spear and holding shield, in biga right. Crawford 480/2c; CRI 99; Sydneham 1057 var.; RSC 36a. VF, porous. Very rare.

This is Caesar's first portrait denarius, struck early in January of 44 BC. This is the only issue where Caesar has the title DICT(ator) QVART(um). Caesar received the title dictator perpetuus in February of 44 BC. The obverse of this coin also features a lituus, symbolizing Caeasar's membership of the priestly college of augurs.