Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Iulius (Julius) Caesar in 49 or 48 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts an elephant trampling a dragon, with the legend 'CAESAR' below. The significance of the design has been the subject of debate, but may symbolise victory over evil, an appropriate design in the troubled times.

Caesar seized Rome at an early stage in the Civil War with Pompey, and with it the means to mint in Rome. Some coins were struck by moneyers in the normal fashion, but others, as here, were struck by political leaders.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-078-678-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1915.174
Date:	49 - 48 BC 49 or 48 BC
Material:	Silver. Inscription: Obv. Pontifical emblems - culullus, aspergillum, axe and apex / Rev. Elephant r., trampling dragon; in exergue, CAESAR
Dimensions:	18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
What:	Coin, denarius
Subject:	Ancient Coin Collection
Who:
Where:	Italy, Rome
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 49 - 48 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
Translations:
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