ROMAN REPUBLIC

Emergency issue authorised by the Senate during a period of deep political turmoil. Its official nature is signalled by the letters SC, with responsibility falling to the praetors Lucius Sestius and Gaius Norbanus. This coinage was struck during the temporary alliance between the Senate and the young Octavian, intended to pay the troops being sent to confront Mark Antony, who was besieging Decimus Brutus at Mutina. The meaning of the types depicted on the coin is not entirely clear, and consensus is lacking. The representation of Africa may allude to the origin of the legions raised for the campaign, while the curule seat could symbolise their loyalty to Caesar’s cause and to his now officially recognised heir, Caesar Octavian. It’s worth recalling that Octavian had illegally raised a private army at his own expense, and that the Senate, acting swiftly, granted him imperium with praetorian rank as an extraordinary measure, allowing him to join and support the senatorial forces.