L. Hostilius Saserna 48 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.5 g, 7h). Rome mint.

Diademed female head (Pietas or Clementia?) right, wearing oak wreath / Victory advancing right, holding winged caduceus and trophy.

Nothing certain is known about Lucius Hostilius Saserna, one of the tresviri monetales for 48 BC, except that he was evidently a supporter of Julius Caesar. His coin types all celebrate Caesar's conquests in Gaul and the civil war with Pompey, as well as his clemency to former enemies. The female head on this type closely resembles two issues of Caesar himself and is thought to represent Clementia (Clemency). Two relations named Gaius and Publius Hostilius Saserna, possibly brothers or sons, served under Caesar in Africa in 46 BC, but history is silent about the later careers of all the Hostilia Sasernae.

Referenz : Crawford 448/1a; CRI 17; Sydenham 951; Hostilia 5; BMCRR Rome 3989-92; RBW 1567. Former David Powell collection

Sammlung : Roman Republic