Geto-Dacian Hybrid

Triton XIV, Lot: 598. Estimate $500. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

C. Cassius Longinus and Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.66 g, 12h). Geto-Dacian hybrid imitation, copying obverse type of C. Cassius Longinus, and reverse of Julius Caesar. Draped bust of Libertas right, wearing diadem, earring, and necklace of pearls; LEIBERTAS before, C • CASSI • IMP behind / Aeneas advancing left, holding palladium and bearing Anchises on his shoulder; CAESAR to right. Cf. Davis class A, group III (for series); Crawford 500/5 (obv. type) and 458/1 (rev. type); CRI 223 (obv. type) and 55 (rev. type); Sydenham 1305 (obv. type) and 1013 (rev. type); RSC 6 (obv. type) and 12 (rev. type). Good VF. Full weight and good metal quality.

This interesting coin is both an ancient imitation and a mule, with the obverse copied from a denarius of Cassius and the reverse taken from Julius Caesar’s popular Aeneas type. Although it is an imitation, the metal quality is quite good. This piece was reportedly found along with an ancient imitation of Hosidius Geta.