The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.94 g, 2h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3103. Estimated: $ 1 000

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 1 400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.94 g, 2h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent / Simpulum, sprinkler, axe (surmounted by a wolf's head), and apex (priest's hat). Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49. Good VF, toned, struck slightly off center.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Purchased from Walter Sheridan in 2003 for @ $200.

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.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.