Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

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This silver coin was minted in Spain by Caius Iulius (Julius) Caesar in 46 or 45 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, wearing a diadem. Cupid, the god of love is behind her neck. Caesar's devotion to Venus was expressed on his seal and coinage.

After the death of Pompey the Great in 48 BC, the struggle against Caesar passed to his sons Cnaeus Pompey and Sextus Pompey. In 46 BC, Caesar went to Spain to confront their forces. This issue was probably struck to help finance his campaigns there.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-789-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15357
• Date: 46 - 45
  46 or 45 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre, especially obverse; crescent punched on obverse; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed head of Venus to right; Cupid behind neck / Rev. Trophy, with oval shield and carnyx on each side; two seated captives belo
  Coin Type: Crawford 468/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 468/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Iulius Caesar (Maker)
  Cupid
  Venus
  
• Where: Roman Republic
  Spain
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted in Spain by C. Iulius Caesar, 46 - 45 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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