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Description

Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (18mm, 3.91 gm, 3h). NGC AU 5/5 - 4/5, flan flaw. 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. Splashes of amber toning.

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.


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Proxy Bidding Ends 
November
7th Friday 9:50 am CT
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November
6th-7th Thursday-Friday
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22 Days 21h 12m 19s
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This lot is in: 3 - Signature® Internet Session - No Floor or Phone Bidding (Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 32001-32117) - 10:00 AM Central Time, Friday, November 7, 2025.
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