Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 7h).

Description

Julius Caesar, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 7h). NGC Fine. Military mint traveling with Caesar in Spain, ca. late 46-early 45 BC. Bust of Venus right, wearing stephane, pendant earring, and pendant necklace, with hair rolled and pulled into chignon at back of head; Cupid at shoulder / CAESAR, trophy of Gallic arms; captives seated at base, dejected female to left, bound male to right looking up at trophy. Crawford 468/1. Sydenham 1014.

Julius Caesar was made Proconsul over Further Spain, and the following nine years he spent in and out of Gaul, embarking on a prolonged Gallic war, which he recorded his personal account in Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Commentary of the Gallic War). Initially benefitting from the disjointed tribes of Gaul, which he could deal with individually, however, the tide turned upon facing Vercingetorix, the chief of the Arverni tribe, who had assembled a confederation against him. In 52 BC, Caesar triumphed over Vercingetorix at the Battle of Alesia despite fierce resistance. Taking advantage of the unstable conditions in Gaul, he successfully broadened Rome’s dominion through conquest, vastly increased his wealth through war spoils, and also dangerously heightened his popularity among the populace.

This coin type showcases his purported lineage in the founding myth of Rome from Iulus, then Aeneas, and finally to Venus on the obverse. At the same time, the reverse promotes his victories in Gaul through the trophy adorned with Gallic military arms and bound captives, a powerful message to the Romans and the world at the time.