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MARCUS PORCIUS CATO UTICENSIS, died 46 BC
AR Quinarius (14.5mm, 1.82g, 11h)
Struck 47-46 BC. Utica mint
Obverse: M·CA͡TO·PRO·PR, head of Liber right, wearing ivy wreath
Reverse: Victory seated right, holding patera in outstretched right hand and palm in left; VICT͡RIX in exergue
References: RRC 462/2, RCV 1383
Attractive cabinet toning, well centered, good strike, some scratches and punchmark on obverse. Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, also known as Cato the Younger, was a Roman Senator and rigid conservative who sought to uphold what he saw as the traditional Roman virtues during the decline of the Roman Republic. First elected quaestor in 64 BC, Cato was known for his scrupulous honesty, integrity, and incorruptibly during a time when bribery and graft were the norm among public office-holders. Later, Cato became a fearlessly outspoken enemy of Julius Caesar, whom he saw as a mortal threat to the Republic. Cato joined forces with Pompey and the Senate in their efforts to crush Caesar, but after the Pompeians suffered a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Thaspus in 46 BC, all hope was lost. Cato committed suicide rather than surrender or accept Caesar’s pardon.
Collection : Roman Imperatorial