Roman Imperatorial Coinage, The Caesarians, Julius Caesar, Denarius, Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-8 BC, caesar in exergue below elephant walking right, trampling on dragon before, rev. emblems of the pontificate; simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex, 3.68g/8h (Ghey 254.1, this coin; Craw. 443/1; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; RSC 49; Sear 9). Struck off centre on an elongated flan, otherwise fine £150-£200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, British Iron Age Coins from the Helmingham Hoard.

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SF 126

This represents the first of Julius Caesar’s issues. In order to finance his military operations after the crossing of the Rubicon and invasion of Italy, a huge issue of these coins was minted. The image of the elephant trampling the snake acts as a metaphor for the conquest of good over evil, Caesar’s triumph over Pompey. The reverse, similar to other issues of Caesar, symbolise the position of the office of the pontifex maximus which he held.