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

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-084-903-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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:
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