The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.93 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Good VF.

Keystone 11
Lot: 177. Estimated: $ 750

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 1 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.93 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; RBW 1557. Attractive iridescnt cabinet tone. Good VF. Ex Pegasi IX (1 October 2003), lot 407.

Julius Caesar and his armies assembled on the banks of the Rubicon River on 10 January 49 BC, ready to invade Italy. Since large quantities of denarii were necessary to pay Caesar's military expenses, the mint traveled with them. This issue was ordered, not by a moneyer, as was usual, but by Julius Caesar himself. The obverse clearly depicts the triumph of good over evil, numismatic propaganda designed to encourage Caesar's soldiers during the long, intense campaign. The reverse, depicting priestly emblems, tells of Caesar's office as Pontifex Maximus, high priest. In all likelihood, this type was used by Caesar's military forces at least until the decisive battle of Pharsalus.

Closing Date and Time: 3 March 2023 at 10:58:40 ET.



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