C. Domitius Calvinus, as Imperator (40-39 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 3.10 gm, 7h). NGC (photo-certificate) Choice VF 4/5 - 2/5, edge bent. Hispania, Osca, 39 BC. OSCA, bare, bearded head of Hercules right, wearing eaded necklace / DOM • COS •ITER • IMP, pontifical emblems: simpulum (dipper), aspergillum (sprinkler), securis (ax), and apex (cap). Crawford 532/1. CRI 342. Rare. Small horn silver deposit along reverse edge, otherwise a pleasing, problem-free example with full legends. A trusted supporter of Julius Caesar and his faction, Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus had an up-and-down career during the imperatorial era, winning victory over the anti-Caesarians as commander of the center at Pharsalus, but suffering an ignominious defeat at the hands of the Bosporan King Pharnaces II in 47 BC that forced Caesar to break off his liaison with Cleopatra and deal with the issue himself. He was granted a second Consulship in 40 BC and made proconsul of Hispania, where he undertook further conquests and was acclaimed Imperator by his troops. His unusual coinage was struck at Osca in Spain and clearly patterned on the local issues of that city.

HID09801242017

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