Nomos AG
Auction 14 17 May 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Julius Caesar, 49-48 BC. Denarius (Silver, 16mm, 3.58 g 11), mint moving with Caesar. CAESAR Elephant trampling serpent to right. Rev. Priestly implements: culullus, aspergillum, ax, with wolf's head at the top, and apex. Babelon (Julia) 9. Crawford 443/1. CRI 9. Sydenham 1006. Beautifully centered and very attractively toned. Extremely fine.
From the Stoecklin Collection.
The 'elephant' coinage of Caesar, struck beginning around the time he crossed the Rubicon in January 49, was used to pay Caesar's forces during the Civil war with Pompey. According to Crawford's calculations it was produced using at least 750 obverse dies, thus implying that at least 7-8 million denarii were struck! These coins have been popular with collectors since the Renaissance and a great number are known; however, truly superb examples, as this one, are remarkably scarce. For a probable reuse of this elephant type by Juba II, see below, lot 326.
From the Stoecklin Collection.
The 'elephant' coinage of Caesar, struck beginning around the time he crossed the Rubicon in January 49, was used to pay Caesar's forces during the Civil war with Pompey. According to Crawford's calculations it was produced using at least 750 obverse dies, thus implying that at least 7-8 million denarii were struck! These coins have been popular with collectors since the Renaissance and a great number are known; however, truly superb examples, as this one, are remarkably scarce. For a probable reuse of this elephant type by Juba II, see below, lot 326.