Summary
Denarius issued by the Ancient Roman Republic, 49-48 BC.
Issuing authority: Julius Caesar.
Coin struck at mint moving with Caesar's army.
The priestly objects on the obverse refer to Caesar as Pontifex Maximus. The reverse is understood as simply referring to the victory of good (the elephant) over evil (the dragon).
Obverse Description
Emblems of priesthood: a culullus (horn-shaped cup an emblem of the Vestales Virgines used for libations), aspergillum (brush that is dipped in liquid and shaken), axe (used in animal sacrifice) and apex (a spiked cap worn by the priests).
Reverse Description
Elephant advancing to right trunk raised, trampling a dragon; in exergue, CAESAR.
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
49-48 BC
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Issued By
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Denomination
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Material
Silver
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Axis
03
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Dimensions
19 mm (Width), 18 mm (Depth), 2 mm (Height), 2.547 g (Weight)
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Shape
Off round
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References
Crawford 443/1
[Book] Crawford, Michael H. 1974. Roman Republican Coinage., 461, 735 Pages
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Keywords
Religious Artifacts, Religions, Elephants, Dragons, Mythical Animals, Ancient Roman Mythology
