Julius Caesar. 49-44 BC. Cast Æ “Sestertius” (36mm, 21.20 g, 12h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3388. Estimated: $ 300

Paduan Medals, Bronze

Sold For $ 425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Julius Caesar. 49-44 BC. Cast Æ “Sestertius” (36mm, 21.20 g, 12h). Paduan type. After Giovanni da Cavino, 1500-1570. G CAESAR / DICTATOR, Laureate head of Julius Caesar left; star before forehead, lituus behind / VENI/VIDI/VICI within wreath. Johnson & Martini 1260; Klawans 1. Good VF, warm brown patina, cut on neck. An attractive cast.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Purchased from Walter Sheridan. c. 2003 for $75.

Trained as a goldsmith and metalworker, Giovanni da Cavino is best known for his medals, in particular those imitating ancient coins. Whether Cavino’s ancient imitations were intended to deceive has been a matter of debate, but the majority of scholars are now in agreement that they were not. Rather, Cavino’s medals demonstrate a shift from fanciful interpretations of ancient coins, such as those produced by Valerio Belli, to a more serious study of the originals. It was only later in the 16th century, when a forgery industry developed around Padua, that Cavino’s work became lumped in with these forgeries, and both the Cavino medals and the outright forgeries began to be referred to together as “Paduans.”

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.