Coin (obverse), 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 obverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a bowl (culullus), sprinkler (aspergillum), axe and priestly cap (apex), symbols of the office of Pontifex Maximus. The college of pontiffs, led by the Pontifex Maximus, had legal authority over all matters concerning religion.

Julius Caesar was a military leader and dictator, but he also held the important priestly offices of Pontifex Maximus and Augur. The Romans saw no conflict in a man holding multiple secular and religious offices as long as the duties did not interfere.

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-056-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: