Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

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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: 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
  Coin, denarius
  
• 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:
• Related Records: