Lot 2149
Julius Caesar. Silver Denarius (3.65 g), 49-48 BC. Military mint traveling with Caesar. CAESAR in exergue, elephant advancing right, trampling horned serpent. Reverse: Pontifical implements: simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest's hat. Crawford 443/1; HCRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49. Lightly toned. NGC grade XF; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimate Value $1,000 - 1,400
Perhaps the most ubiquitous of Caesar's denarii, this famous issue was struck at the time of his crossing of the Rubicon and the beginning of the long period of civil wars which resulted in the downfall of the Roman Republic. A few theories have been presented explaining the obverse type, the most established being that the elephant represents good, the serpent evil, thus a message of the righteousness of Caesar's cause. The reverse shows the symbols of Rome's high priest, the Pontifex Maximus, Caesar having been elected to the office in 63 BC.
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