Watch List notes:

Imperatorial Issues

Julius Caesar. Denarius, Gallia Narbonensis and Hispania Citerior 49, AR 3.86 g. Elephant trampling serpent r.; in exergue, CAESAR. Rev. Culullus, Aspergillum, apex and axe with wolf heads at the top. Babelon Julia 9. C 9. Sydenham 1006. Sear Imperators 9. Woytek Arma et Nummi p. 558. RBW 1557. Crawford 443/1.
Perfectly struck and centred on a full flan, beautiful old cabinet
tone and good extremely fine

Ex Leu sale 86, 2003, 706.

Julius Caesar, having been given an ultimatum to lay down arms and return to Rome for "reassignment", clearly had his true intentions identified with the mintage of this coin type. His legions were completely loyal to him and they would certainly follow Caesar anywhere. There can be little doubt that his troops would support whatever effort was necessary to defend against charges which were likely coming had Caesar left his legions behind and gone to Rome alone. It would seem quite natural that Caesar, knowing full well the battle that lay ahead, had a massive coinage prepared to pay for the very soldiers who would defend his honor. The soldiers were fighting for one reason – Julius Caesar. Why not change the pay that they would receive to show just what they had been fighting for? Caesar, minting coins in his own name, under this context, had initiated a natural extension to the greater cause he was justifying. MSG.