Summary

Denarius issued by the Ancient Roman Republic, 49-48 BC
Issuing authority: Julius Caesar
Struck at mint moving with Caesar's army

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

Significance

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).

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