Julius Caesar and P. Sepullius Macer Denarius circa 44, AR 20mm, 3.59 g. CAESAR – [DICT PERPE]TVO Wreathed head of Caesar right. Rev. P·SEPVLLIVS – [MACER] Venus standing l., holding Victory and sceptre resting on star. Babelon Julia 49 and Sepullia 4. C 40. Sydenham 1072. Sear Imperators 107b. Crawford 480/11.

Rare. Minor areas of weakness otherwise, good very fine.

Ex NAC 63, May 2012, 455 and from the RBW collection. Privately purchased from D. Devine in November 1994.

The large number of variations on this type are indicative of the volume of the coinage, all the more remarkable in view of its brief period of issue (mid-February to mid-March). Specimens are often carelessly struck indicating that the mint was working under great pressure, just as it had been at the time of the quadruple triumph in 46 BC. The volume of production in the 4-week period preceding the Ides of March is impressive indeed. The reason for this must be sought in Caesar's projected Parthian War for which large quantities of coinage would have been required to pay the army. It will be remembered that the dictator was on the point of departing for this campaign when he was struck down by the assassins.