© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Julius Caesar IIT / CAE SAR 48 BC - 47 BC
| Gold | 8.58 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 48 BC - 47 BC |
| Value | Aureus (25) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.58 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#334486 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Trophy with Gallic shield and carnyx; on right, axe.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering: CAE SAR
Unabridged legend: Caesar
Translation: Caesar
Comment
The obverse legend is still subject to debate. Although usually noted as LII in reference books, the legend clearly visible on many examples of this type should indeed be noted as IIT or even ꓕII instead.Contrary to certain more or less serious interpretations, LII does not represent the age of Caesar (52 years old) when this coin was minted in 48 BC (anecdotal but unfounded) nor the year of the battle of Alesia in 52 BC (quite simply because the Gregorian calendar which dates the battle in 52 BC did not yet exist...).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin featuring Julius Caesar is that it was minted during a time of great political turmoil in Rome. Caesar had recently crossed the Rubicon River with his army, defying the Roman Senate and sparking a civil war. Despite this, the coin still bears the image of Caesar, indicating his growing power and influence in Roman politics.
