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PA-3212: Ancient Roman Silver Denarius Coin - Julius Caesar c. 49 BC

Ruler: Julius Caesar. Obverse: Elephant trampling Snake. "CAESAR" in Exeurge. Reverse: Emblems of the Pontificate

Historical Coin! Struck by Julius Caesar's military mint, first year as Dictator. Sear-R1399, 18mm, 3.78gm

Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general, statesman, Consul, and notable author of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 60 BC, Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey formed a political alliance that was to dominate Roman politics for several years. Their attempts to amass power through populist tactics were opposed by the conservative ruling class within the Roman Senate, among them Cato the Younger with the frequent support of Cicero. Caesar's victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. Caesar became the first Roman general to cross both when he built a bridge across the Rhine and conducted the first invasion of Britain.

It was only at the very end of his life, and following his death, that coins depicted his likeness. Earlier, these coins were struck following his defeat of Gaul. They depict an elephant, symbolizing the might of Rome, crushing a serpent, symbolizing Gaul. The reverse of the coins depict emblems of the pontificate: a simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex.