Crawford 448/3, Roman Republic, L. Hostilius Saserna, Denarius
Roman Republic (Rome mint 48 BC.), L. Hostilius Saserna.
AR Denarius (3.85 g, 18 mm).
Obv.: Head of Gallia right, wearing long and dishevelled hair; Gallic trumpet (carnyx) behind.
Rev.: L. HOSTILIVS to right, SASERNA to left, Artemis of Massilia standing facing, wearing long flowing robes, holding stag by its antler with left hand, spear in right.
Crawford 448/3 ; Sydenham 953; BMCRR Rome 3996; Bab. Hostilia 4 .
This coin refers to the siege and final capture of the Gallic city of Massilia (Marseille in France) by Caesar's forces in 48 BC: The obverse is an allusion to the action in Gaul, and the reverse depicts the diety that was revered by the inhabitants of Massilia.