Watch List notes:

The Roman Republic

C. Iulius Caesar. Aureus, mint moving with Caesar in the East 48-47 BC, AV 8.03 g. CAESAR – DICT Axe and culullus. Rev. ITER Jug and lituus. All within laurel wreath. C 21. Babelon Julia 15. Bahrfeldt 18 and pl. III, 21 (this reverse die). Sydenham 1027. Sear Imperators 15a (these dies). Calicó 43. RBW 1598. Crawford 456/1a.
Extremely rare and possibly the finest specimen in private hands of this important
and fascinating issue. Perefctly struck and centred on a full flan.
Light reddish tone and extremely fine
Caesar was in Greece and the East when this aureus was struck in the year beginning October, 48 B.C. Initially he was in Egypt sharing time with Cleopatra, then he moved through Syria and Asia Minor en route to wage a quick and successful war against Pharnaces II, king of the Bosporus. His victory over Pharnaces at Zela in August, 47 B.C. is likely the occasion represented on this coin by the wreath. Considering his recent campaign against Pompey and his long absence from Italy, a reminder that his authority was based in venerable Roman institutions might have been recommended at this stage of his rise to supremacy. The inscriptions describe him as having held the dictatorship for the second time and the designs indicate his role as chief priest (pontifex maximus) of the Romans and his membership in the college of augurs.