Lot 3642

Description

Julius Caesar, silver denarius, issued 49-48 B.C., Mint moving with Caesar, 3.83 grams, C.443/1, S.1006, BMC Gaul 27, Sear Julius Caesar 49 (p.111), Obv. Elephant to r. trampling on serpent CAESAR in exergue border of dots, Rev. Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest's hat all in dotted circle, bankers mark on obverse. Toned, off centred, nearly very fine, (43).

The obverse type may symbolise victory over evil, whereas the reverse refers to Caesar's Office of 'Pontifex Maximus' held since 63 B.C. This is the earliest coinage bearing Caesar's name and was issued in the aftermath of his fateful crossing of the Rubicon in defiance of the Senate order to relinquish his military command in Gaul. Various military adventures required large funds to pay the troops and this was the coinage struck for that expense.