denarius, Roman Republic, 48-47 BCE

Date48-47 BCE

CultureRoman

MediumSilver

DimensionsCoin Dimensions: 2.03 cm, 3.63 g

Credit LineTransfer from Vassar College Classics Department, 1968

On View

Not on view

PeriodRoman Republic

Classification(s)

Coins and Medals

Denomination

Denarius

Language

Latin

Minting Official

Caesar

Minting Location

Rome

Region

Italy

Obverse Description

A border of dots surrounds a female head, facing right, wearing an oak-wreath and a diadem. There is something inscribed downwards, behind.

Reverse Description

A border of dots surrounds a trophy with Gallic shield and carnyx, and there is an axe on the right. CAE SAR is inscribed below.

Reverse Expanded

CAESAR

Reverse Legend

CAE SAR

Reverse Translated

Caesar

BibliographyCrawford, 452.2DescriptionThis coin, likewise minted on campaign, also makes a propagandistic claim on Caesar's behalf. The obverse shows Venus, whose martial favor for her descendant Julius Caesar has already been mentioned. On the reverse (shown here) is a trophy of military victory made up of Gallic weapons and armor, a clear reminder of Caesar's conquest of Gaul. This coin therefore both explains and demonstrates Caesar's military successes.

Terms

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email loebcollections@vassar.edu