Julius Caesar, 49-48 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.14 g, 1 h), mint moving with Caesar in Northern Italy. CAESAR Elephant to right, trampling horned serpent. Rev. Priestly implements: culullus, aspergillum, ax, with wolf’s head at the top, and apex. Babelon ( Julia ) 9. Crawford 443/1. CRI 9. Sydenham 1006. Toned. Reverse somewhat weakly struck, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the collection of Ried Redlich, acquired on 10 December 1994 from Harlan J. Berk at The New York International Numismatic Convention.

The ‘elephant’ coinage of Caesar, struck beginning around the time he crossed the Rubicon in January 49, was used to pay Caesar’s forces during the civil war with Pompey.