Coins related to Julius Caesar hold a significant place in numismatic history, offering insights into Roman politics, propaganda, and culture during the Late Republic and early Roman Empire.
- First living Roman on coinage: Julius Caesar was the first Roman to have his portrait on a coin during his lifetime. This move was controversial and seen as a display of his growing power, possibly even his aspirations to kingship, which was a concept at odds with the Roman Republic’s values.
- Portraiture as a political tool: Coins served as a powerful tool for political propaganda, communicating Caesar’s authority and achievements to a broad audience across the vast Roman territory.
- Evolution of portraits: Early portraits on coins reflected the prevailing artistic styles of Roman Republican portraiture, emphasizing the signs of age, [according to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston].
- Notable coin types:
– Denarius with Caesar’s portrait: These coins often depict Caesar wearing a laurel wreath and may be accompanied by inscriptions like “CAESAR DICT QVART” (dictator for the fourth time), highlighting his extraordinary authority.
– Elephant denarius: This coin features an elephant trampling a snake on the obverse and religious implements associated with Caesar’s role as Pontifex Maximus on the reverse.
– “Eid Mar” coin: This rare coin celebrates Caesar’s assassination, featuring the portrait of Brutus (one of the assassins), daggers, and a cap of Liberty on the reverse.
- Obverse: Typically displays Caesar’s portrait, facing right and wearing a laurel wreath.
- Reverse: Designs vary but often include religious implements, military symbols, or representations of gods and goddesses related to Caesar’s family or political aspirations.
- Inscriptions: Coins bear inscriptions identifying Caesar and possibly referencing his titles or accomplishments.
- Medium: Coins were primarily minted in silver (denarius) and gold (aureus).
- Minting process: Coins were made by carving designs into bronze dies and then striking the coins individually.
Original Julius Caesar coins can be found through reputable ancient coin dealers and at auctions. The value varies significantly depending on the coin’s type, rarity, and condition.
- Non-portrait denarii: Can start in the hundreds of dollars.
- Portrait denarii: Begin at $1,000 and can go much higher.
- Rare coins: The “Eid Mar” coin sold for a record $3.5 million.
- Aureus (gold coins): Generally more expensive than denarii, with some examples reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
- Replica coins and collections: Less expensive options are available for collectors on a budget.
Why are Julius Caesar coins so expensive?
Julius Caesar’s coins hold immense value for their unique historical, cultural, and political significance. As some of the earliest Roman currency featuring a living leader, they signify a major shift in Roman political ideology and in the use of iconography to assert authority.
Did Julius Caesar have a coin?
Thanks for asking. 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was the first living person whose portrait appeared on a coin struck at Rome. Portraiture on coinage was considered a mark of kingship, a form of government at odds with Roman Republican values.
How many Caesar coins are there?
From my experience, The 12 Caesars gold coins are a rare and historically significant set of Roman coins featuring portraits of the first twelve Roman emperors, known as the “Julio-Claudian and Flavian” emperors. These rulers, from Julius Caesar to Domitian, reigned from 49 BCE to 96 CE, shaping the foundation of the Roman Empire.
What is the rarest Roman coin ever found?
Thanks for asking. EID MAR Denarius: among the rarest Roman coins in existence. When it comes to sky-high rare Roman coin values, few can compete with the EID MAR Denarius.