Coin (reverse), 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 reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a trophy, with shield and carnyx (war trumpet) on each side. Below are two captives, a woman on the left and man on the right. The type of shield and carnyx identify them as Gauls, and the design refers to Caesar's victories over them.

After a victorious battle, the Greeks erected a trophy on the battlefield and dedicated it to the gods. It consisted of weapons of the defeated army placed on a pole or tree trunk. This custom was adopted by the Romans, but sometimes it was made in Rome.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-453-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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