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Julius Caesar. 49-48 BCE
AR denarius
Struck by the military mint traveling with Caesar.
Obv: elephant standing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue
Rev: simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest's hat.
Ref: Crawford 443/1; Sydenham 1006.
Gaius Julius Caesar reigned from October 49 BCE until his assassination on March 15, 44 BCE.
This is an example of the first coin struck in his name.
The elephant trampling a snake may represent Caesar's victory over the Gauls; the conquest of good over evil.
The priestly implements refer to Caesar's position as Pontifex Maximus (high priest of Rome).
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