Denarius (Coelia: Gaius Coelius Caldus; C•COEL•CALDVS COS HIS / L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL C•CALDVS I MP•A•X CALDVS•III•VIR) (51 BC) front Denarius (Coelia: Gaius Coelius Caldus; C•COEL•CALDVS COS HIS / L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL C•CALDVS I MP•A•X CALDVS•III•VIR) (51 BC) back
Denarius (Coelia: Gaius Coelius Caldus; C•COEL•CALDVS COS HIS / L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL C•CALDVS I MP•A•X CALDVS•III•VIR) (51 BC) photo
© Heritage Auctions

Denarius Coelia: Gaius Coelius Caldus; C•COEL•CALDVS COS HIS / L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL C•CALDVS I MP•A•X CALDVS•III•VIR 51 BC

51 BC year
Silver 3.69 g 19 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC)
Period
Republic (509 BC - 27 BC)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
51 BC
Value
Denarius (1)
Currency
Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.69 g
Diameter
19 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#66812
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Lucius Coelius Caldus behind a table bearing inscription with VIR and VL in monograms, preparing epulum (banquet); on left, trophy with Macedonian shield; on right, trophy with carnyx and oval shield decorated with thunderbolt; in left and right fields, vertical inscriptions; in exergue, inscription with ALD in monogram.
Border of dots.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL
C•CALDVS I MP•A•X
CALDVS•III•VIR

Unabridged legend:
Lucius Caldus Septemviri Epulones
Caius Caldus Imperator Augur Decemvir
Caldus Triumvir

Translation:
Lucius Caldus, [member of the college of the] Seven Epulones
The Emperor Augur Gaius Caldus, [member of the] Decemviri [Sacris Faciundis]
Caldus, [Monetary] Triumvirate

Comment

The gens Coelia, or Coilia was a plebeian family, but of consular rank. Some assert that the head of this family was Coelius Vibulo Etruscus, who came to the aid of Romulus against the Sabines, and gave his name to the Coelian Mount at Rome.

The Epulones formed one of the four great religious corporations, mainly in charge of organizing feasts, public banquets and games.

The Decemvir Sacris Faciundis formed another of the four great religious corporations, mainly in charge of guarding the Sybilline Books and interpreting them at the Senate's request.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare and unique design element - a portrait of a Roman consul, Gaius Coelius Caldus, on the obverse (front side), while the reverse (back side) bears the image of a priestly implement called a 'lituus', which was associated with the Roman goddess Ceres. This combination of a human figure and a religious symbol was not commonly seen on Roman coins of that time, making it a distinctive and valuable piece for collectors.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
ND (-51)  - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Denarius (Coelia: Gaius Coelius Caldus; C•COEL•CALDVS COS HIS / L•CALDVS VII•VIR•EPVL C•CALDVS I MP•A•X CALDVS•III•VIR) (51 BC) coin.