Roman Republic - C. Vibius C. f. C. n. Pansa Caetronianus, silver denarius (4,04 g. 18 mm.). Minted in Rome, 48 BC.

Mask of Pan right; PANSA behind.

Jupiter Axurus seated left, holding patera and sceptre; C•VIBIVS C•F•C•N• behind; IOVIS AXVR before.

Crawford 449/1a; Sydenham 947.

Extremely fine condition. Nice coin!

The obverse depiction of Pan is a punning allusion to the cognomen Pansa. Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was tribune in 51 BC and supported Gaius Julius Caesar in the civil war. After Caesar’s assassination, however, he became one of the leading proponents for the return of the Republic, and was elected consul in 43 BC, with Aulus Hirtius. The two took command of the senatorial legions, marching north to engage Mark Antony, now an enemy of the Roman Senate. On April 14, 43 BC, the two forces clashed at the Battle of Forum Gallorum. Although the Senate’s forces proved victorious, Hirtius was killed in battle and Pansa was wounded and died a few days later.

Please take a look to the cleaning process from our team, excellent job as usual!