Ancient Roman coins depicting Julius Caesar are a significant part of history, as Caesar was the first living Roman to have his portrait appear on coinage . This act was seen as a bold statement of his power and authority during his lifetime.
Here’s some information about Roman coins featuring Julius Caesar:
- Denarii: Many coins featuring Caesar are silver denarii. These coins often depict his portrait on the obverse (front) side, sometimes with a laurel wreath, signifying his status. The reverse (back) side can show various symbols, including:
– The Elephant: Some famous denarii show an elephant trampling a snake. The elephant can represent Caesar’s power and legions, conquering the enemy (the snake), or it could reference a legend about a member of Caesar’s family killing an elephant, [according to The London Mint Office].
– Religious symbols: Others showcase symbols relating to Caesar’s role as Pontifex Maximus (High Priest) such as the simpulum (ladle), aspergillum (sprinkler), securis (sacrificial axe), and apex (priestly cap).
– Venus and Aeneas: Another denarius portrays Venus Genetrix, emphasizing Caesar’s divine lineage, with Aeneas carrying Anchises on the reverse, referencing the foundation of Rome.
- Historical Context: Caesar’s use of coinage for political propaganda, along with placing his image on coins during his lifetime, was considered controversial by some of his contemporaries. After his assassination in 44 BCE, the Roman Republic eventually transitioned into the Roman Empire, and all subsequent emperors continued the practice of minting coins with their images.
Examples of Roman coins featuring Caesar:
- Roman Imperatorial “Julius Caesar” 44BC Aureus: A gold coin valued at around 14950USD.
- Roman Imperatorial “Julius Caesar” Aureus 44BC Ngc Xf 5X2 Ancient Coins: Another gold coin, priced at about 16900USD.
- Roman Republic Julius Caesar Elephant Denarius: A silver coin featuring the elephant and snake, typically around 940USD.
- Julius Caesar, Roman Imperatorial, Ar Denarius, 44 Bc, Ngc Ch Xf: A silver denarius valued at around 3850USD.
- Roman Imperatorial Ar Denarius Julius Caesar 44 Ngc Ch F Coin: A silver denarius from 44 BC, with a cost of about 6000USD.
Note: Replica coins featuring Julius Caesar are also available at more affordable prices, like the Roman Coin Julius Caesar Denarius in an information pack, priced at around 12.7USD . You can also find pendants inspired by Caesar’s coins, such as an [Elephant Double Sided Gold Coin Pendant Necklace] for about 33.4USD.
Are Julius Caesar coins rare?
Because of his fame and accomplishments, Julius Caesar gold coins are usually in high demand. His coppers are rare, and though Julius Caesar silver coins are available, they are challenging in high grade.
What coin has Caesar’s head in it?
Denarius (Coin) Portraying Julius Caesar | The Art Institute of Chicago.
What are the rarest Roman coins?
Galba Aureus: a highly coveted rare Roman coin. …
Augustus Aureus: one of the rarest Roman coins. …
Brutus Aureus: a rare Roman gold coin of great value. …
EID MAR Denarius: among the rarest Roman coins in existence. …
Titus Colosseum Sestertius: a historically significant rare Roman coin.
How much is the Brutus coin worth?
Great question! A Coin Depicting Caesar’s Frenemy Brutus Smashes Estimate to Sell for $2 Million. Described as “iconic,” the coin depicting Julius Caesar’s assassin is one of only 17 known artifacts of its kind.