Crawford 443/1

Moneyer: Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. 

Denomination: Denarius

Obverse: CAESAR Elephant walking right, trampling on horned serpent.

Reverse: Priestly implements: simpulum, aspergillum, securis with wolf's head at the top, and apex

Reference: Crawford 443/1

Mint: military mint moving with Caesar in Gallia Narbonensis or Hispania Citerior, 49-48

Note: 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 interpretation of the obverse is difficult and has been subject to debate among scholars. Accortding to one of the interpretations the obverse may depict the triumph of good over evil, numismatic propaganda designed to encourage Caesar's soldiers during the long, intense campaign.

The reverse is much easier to decipher: it depicts priestly emblems (Culullus, aspergillum, axe and apex) and tells of Caesar's office as Pontifex Maximus, highes priest.

In all likelihood, this type was used by Caesar's military forces at least until the decisive battle of Pharsalus.

Collection : 16 Roman Republic