The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.78 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Good VF.

CNG Feature Auction 123
Lot: 486. Estimated: $ 1 500

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 1 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.78 g, 3h). 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 deep cabinet tone with some luster, some horn silver. Good VF.

From the Collection of a London Novelist, purchased from Sovereign Rarities.

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 CNG Feature Auction 123 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 23-24 May 2023. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 23 May 2023 at 2 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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