Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.73 gm, 2h). NGC VF 4/5 - 3/5, scratches. Rome, February-March 44 BC, L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. DICT•PERPETVO-CAESAR, laureate head of Julius Caesar right / L•BVCA, Venus Victrix seated right, Victory right in outstretched right hand, transverse scepter in left. Crawford 480/7b. Sydenham 1062. Julia 36 and Aemilia 15. From the Bacchus Collection For two centuries, Rome had spurned the Hellenistic practice of placing the ruler's portrait on the coinage of the realm, much as they rejected the concept of kingship altogether. So early in 44 BC, many Romans must have been stunned to see the image of Julius Caesar on circulating silver denarii. Like a profusion of other honors and titles, the right to place his image on coins had been bestowed on Caesar by the Roman Senate. Caesar's enemies may have had an ulterior motive in approving the honor, as it almost certainly would fuel the growing suspicion that Caesar intended to name himself king of Rome.this was the intent, it succeeded, for within three months a conspiracy had been formed and Caesar was duly assassinated at a meeting of the Senate on 15 March 44 BC. This rare silver denarius by L. Buca carries a realistic portrait of Caesar on the obverse and the seated image of the dictator's patron goddess, Venus, on the reverse. The obverse legend acclaims Caesar as "DICT(ator) PERPETVO," or "Dictator For Life," a title approved by the Senate in February, 44 BC.

HID09801242017

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