L. Hostilius Saserna, 48 BC. AR Denarius

L. Hostilius Saserna, 48 BC. AR Denarius (17 mm, 3.91 g, 3 h). Rome.

Obv. Draped male bust to right, with wild hair and long plaited beard; cloak around neck and Gallic shield behind.

Rev. L•HOSTILIVS – [SA]SER[N]. Nude Gallic warrior advancing left, hurling spear with right hand and holding shield in left, driving a galloping biga right; charioteer seated, holding whip.

Refs: Babelon Hostilia 2; Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; RBW 1569; Sydenham 952.

This evocative denarius was struck in 48 BC by L. Hostilius Saserna, a supporter of Julius Caesar during the civil war against Pompey. Its designs recall Caesar’s recent conquest of Gaul and the dramatic defeat of the Arvernian chieftain Vercingetorix at Alesia in 52 BC.

The obverse bust has traditionally been identified as Vercingetorix himself—Caesar’s most formidable opponent, later paraded in chains through Rome before his execution in 46 BC. While absolute proof is lacking, the striking individuality of the portrait, with its untamed hair, braided beard, and cloak before a Gallic shield, suggests it may indeed represent the captured leader rather than a generic personification of a Gaul.

The reverse further underscores the Gallic theme, depicting a warrior hurling a spear from a biga driven by a seated charioteer. This scene highlights both the ferocity of Rome’s Gallic foes and the inevitability of their subjugation, turning recent military victories into powerful propaganda for Caesar’s faction at a time of renewed civil conflict.