Description
Roman Republic. Cn. Domitius Calvinus, magistrate. Denarius 39 BC, Osca. Silver 4.12 g.; 20.5 mm.
Obverse: Head of Hercules, right. Obverse caption: OSCA // Reverse: Simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex. Reverse caption: DOM·COS·ITER·IMP
Crawford: 532/1.
The strike is slightly off-center, with the lower part of the letters of the observe caption and the grenetis out of focus. The reverse is well centred, however, and all the emblems are visible. Issued in Hispania, in the city of Osca (now Huesca). Cleaning. Almost uncirculated AU 55-58
Comment
The iconography is very similar to the famous Caesarian coins RRC 443/1, with the elephant and pontifical emblems.
Cn. Domitius Calvinus was a very important supporter of Caesar's camp, which explains the very similar iconography. He was governor of Hispania between 39 and 36 BC, a period during which he achieved a number of military successes that earned him a triumph on his return to Rome, as well as being acclaimed Imperator by his troops. As a close friend of Octavian, the future Augustus, he became consul shortly before his arrival in Hispania, despite losing two legions in 42 BC. He was trying to reinforce the troops of Mark Antony and Octavian during their confrontation with Brutus and Cassius, who sank the fleet transporting the troops.
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