Forgery of coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Hostilius Saserna

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This picture shows the obverse of a forgery of a Roman coin, possibly made in Roman times. The model it was based on was minted in Rome by Lucius Hostilius Saserna in 48 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin.

The obverse depicts a bearded man with a Gallic shield behind him (almost worn away on this coin). The design presumably commemorates Caesar's victories in Gaul, with the head probably meant to be a Gallic captive.

Caesar conquered the native tribes in Gaul in a series of campaigns in the 50s BC. He invaded Britain in 55 BC, conquering the tribes in the southeast. As a result of his campaigns, he gained a devoted army, a great reputation and personal wealth.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-084-903-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1960.755
• Date: 48 BC
  as of 48 BC
  
• Material: Silver; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv.: No legend; bearded draped bust to right; Gallic shield behind. Rev.: L . HOSTILIVS [SASERN(A)]; biga to right, driven by charioteer and bearing warrior holding shield and hurling spear
  Coin Type: as Crawford 448/2a or 448/2b
  Coin, denarius / forgery
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 18.50 x 16.50 mm; weight 3.55 g; die axis 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: as Crawford 448/2a or 448/2b
  Coin, denarius / forgery
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who: as of L. Hostilius Saserna (moneyer) (Maker)
  
• Where: Roman Republic
  uncertain mint
  
• Event:
• Description: Forgery of a silver denarius, Roman Republic, as of 48 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: