Divus Julius Caesar (49-44 BC), with L. Flaminius Chilo, as Moneyer. AR denarius (19mm, 3.86 gm, 8h). NGC XF 2/5 - 4/5. Posthumous issue of Rome, 43 BC. Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right / L FLAMINIVS-IIII VIR, Venus standing left, head bowed, holding caduceus and scepter. Crawford 485/1. Sydenham 1089. From the Rockport Collection. Privately purchased from Heritage Auctions in the 1980s. Sold with original custom holder listing older catalog references. Even during his lifetime, Caesar had been worshipped as a semi-divine figure in Egypt and eastern Roman client kingdoms. Caesar claimed descent from the goddess Venus and ordered construction of a temple to Venus Genetrix ("originator") in 46 BC; the obsequious Senate placed a statue of Caesar within with an inscription referring to him as a demigod, but he reportedly ordered it erased. After his assassination, Octavian and Mark Antony began an immediate campaign to have Caesar officially deified by the Senate, an unprecedented act that was at first resisted. Their efforts were greatly aided by the appearance of a bright comet, the "Julian star," in July of 44 BC. Coins continued to be struck with Caesar's portrait after his death, including this denarius of the otherwise unknown moneyer L. Flaminius Chilo, with idealized features suggesting godhead. But it was not until January 1 of 42 BC that the Senate officially voted divine honors to Caesar, starting a 300-year tradition for the deification of "good" Roman rulers and their relations.

HID09801242017

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