minted at unknown location

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-065-788-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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.
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