| Heritage World Coin Auctions > NYINC Signature Sale 3114 | Auction date: 16 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 33216 Price realized: 4,200 USD (Approx. 3,858 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.92 gm, 2h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Military mint traveling with Caesar in northern Italy, ca. 49-48 BC. CAESAR, elephant advancing right, trampling horned serpent / Culullus, aspergillum, securis (axe surmounted by dog or wolf's head), and apex. Crawford 443/1. Sydenham 1006. Julia 9. Expertly struck on a brilliant flan with almost the entirety of the devices visible. One of the most popular types Caesar minted were of an elephant stepping on a serpent, with CAESAR in the exergue. Although there is no clear record of what these coins allude to, this design is believed to commemorate Caesar's victory in the Battle of Thapsus in 46 BC, where he defeated the forces of his political rival, Pompey, so efficiently that it was like an elephant stepping on a snake and could be seen as good defeating evil. On the reverse, he included important pontifical religious implements, a reminder to the Roman people that he was a pious man, and that he held numerous religious positions, such as Pontifex Maximus (Highest Priest). This series of coinage effectively communicated Caesar's dual image as a capable military leader and a custodian of Roman tradition, helping to consolidate his support base and establish his legitimacy during the tumultuous events of the civil war. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-republic/ancients-julius-caesar-as-dictator-49-44-bc-ar-denarius-18mm-392-gm-2h-ngc-choice-au-5-5-4-5/a/3114-33216.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3114-01162024 HID02906262019 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved |  |
