Description: Roman ImperatorialJulius Caesar (49-44 BC)Denomination: silver AR denariusWeight: 3.65 gramsDiameter: 17 mmDie Axis: 8 hStruck: 49 - 48 BC Mint: Military mint moving with CaesarObverse: CAESAR, elephant walking right, trampling on horned serpentReverse: Priestly implements: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex References: Roman Republican Coinage (Crawford) 443/1; RBW Collection of Roman Republican Coins (RBW) 1557; History & Coinage of the Roman Imperators (Sear) 9; Roman Silver Coins (RSC) volume I 49Grade / Comments: Fine, harshly cleaned, areas of weakness, and banker's mark on obverseFrom Sear's Imperators reference... "With his crossing of the Rubicon and invasion of Italy Caesar would have had an immediate need of money for financing his military operations. This need was largely met by an unusually extensive issue of silver denarii of a single type. It must remain a matter for conjecture whether this coinage commenced in Gaul, as part of Caesar's preparations for invasion, or whether it dates from his acquisition of bullion left behind in the public treasury by the panic-stricken Pompeians when they fled Rome. What does seem certain is that production of this type was kept separate from the regular issues of the Roman moneyers, thus emphasizing the extraordinary military nature of this coinage produced at a time of unprecedented crisis in the affairs of the Republic. It has already been noted that, unlike his rival, Caesar chose to take sole responsibility for the production of coinage despite the obvious unconstitutionality of so doing without possession of a qualifying magistracy and without official sanction from the Senate. Caesar saw this as no obstacle in this time of national crisis and did not hesitate to put into circulation silver denarii bearing nothing more than his own cognomen as the issuing authority. The types are also of interest and presumably, represent Caesar's personal choice. The symbolism of the obverse can hardly be anything other than the triumph of good over evil, whilst the reverse alludes to Caesar's possession of the office of pontifex maximus. It is difficult to assess how long this important type remained in issue, but in all probability it served the needs of the Caesarian forces right up to the time of the final campaign leading to the battle of Pharsalus. Contrary to most other authorities Crawford describes the elephant as the reverse type, though without explaining his reasons for so doing." Coins are guaranteed genuine for life. Additionally, returns may be made within 30 days of receipt for any reason as long as items are undamaged and unaltered.
Price: 600 USD
Location: Madison, New Jersey
End Time: 2023-10-04T23:08:33.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Denarius
Composition: Silver
