Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

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This silver coin was minted by Caius Iulius (Julius) Caesar in 46 BC at an unknown mint. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Ceres, the corn goddess. Behind her is the legend 'COS.TR[RT]' written downwards and in front 'DICT.ITER' written upwards. Both are abbreviations of Caesar's political titles. They are balanced by his priestly titles on the reverse.

Until 46 BC, Africa, the main supplier of Roman corn, was in the hands of Caesar's enemies. Scarcity of corn led to riots in Rome in 48 and 47 BC. The design on this coin seems to be propaganda referring to a distribution to the people.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-788-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15356
• Date: 46
  46 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Ceres to right; behind, COS . TR [RT], downwards; in front, DICT . ITER, upwards / Rev. Culullus, aspergillum, jug and lituus; D on right; AVGVR above; PONT . MAX below
  Coin Type: Crawford 467/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 x 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 467/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Iulius Caesar (Maker)
  Ceres
  
• Where: Roman Republic
  Uncertain
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted at an uncertain mint by C. Iulius Caesar, 46 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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