Description

Julius Caesar, 100 B.C. - 44 B.C.

Roman Imperatorial Coinage.

AR Danarius 49B.C.  Struck by the military mint (to pay his soldiers) travelling with Caesar in northern Italy during the Civil War.

Obverse: Elephant walking right, trampling dragon; exergue inscription: CAESAR. The elephant was the traditional symbol of great power.

Reverse: Emblems of the pontificate: Simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex (cap), within a border of dots.

Aspergillum: A stick with long horse hair attached at one end. Roman priests used to sprinkle holy water on those who assisted at the sacrifices, and also to throw the lustral water over the altar and the sacrificial animals.

Simpulum: A ladle used to make liberations during sacrifices and was a common symbol of the Roman priesthood. 

Caesar himself held many of the most important and influential priestly offices. The accumulation of these religious implements on this denarius was intended to signify Caesar's supreme religious authority, and the obverse elephant his mighty military power.

Specifications:

Silver, 3.91g.

Diameter: Oval flan, 16-18mm.

Grade: gVF, attractively toned.

Hammered.

References: Sear# 1399, RRC# 3443/1, CRR# 1006, RSC# 49, RCV#  1399, BMC# RR#27.

SOLD.