ROMAN IMPERATORIAL "JULIUS CAESAR" 44BC ELEPHANT NGC CH AU 5/5 STRIKE 5/5 SURFACE "STAR"
JULIUS CAESAR, as Dictator (49-44 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 4.17 gm, 2h). Military mint traveling with Caesar in northern Italy, 49 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling horned serpent, CAESAR in exergue / Pontifical implements: simpulum, sprinkler, axe, and priest's hat. Crawford 443/1. CRI 9. Sydenham 1006. RSC 49. Strongly struck and beautifully toned. NGC Choice AU* (STAR) 5/5 - 5/5. I've done extensive research on this type and have NOT found 1 other piece that had detail as strong as this piece and that detailed the Eye of the Elephant and the actual bone structure of the skull. This piece seriously warrants a MS designation along with it's perfect 5/5 (Strike) and 5/5 (Surface) award.
It's just amazing to think about CAESAR's mint traveling through Italy in 49 B.C. when this exact piece was struck, CAESAR was there!!! He would be assassinated 5 years later (in 44 BC as designated on the coin label) while on his way up to the Senate meeting to be awarded "Permanent dictator." This of course devastated Cleopatra, only 19 years old when CAESAR first came to take over (Queen of Egypt – co ruler with her Brother Octavian) and seriously put a damper on her high aspirations (although she was able to bore him a son). Fortunately he passed on his rule to Marc Anthony and she (Cleopatra) was able to control him as well, all the way to his demise! Of course this ended with both of them committing suicide. What an incredible period in World History!
It's just amazing to think about CAESAR's mint traveling through Italy in 49 B.C. when this exact piece was struck, CAESAR was there!!! He would be assassinated 5 years later (in 44 BC as designated on the coin label) while on his way up to the Senate meeting to be awarded "Permanent dictator." This of course devastated Cleopatra, only 19 years old when CAESAR first came to take over (Queen of Egypt – co ruler with her Brother Octavian) and seriously put a damper on her high aspirations (although she was able to bore him a son). Fortunately he passed on his rule to Marc Anthony and she (Cleopatra) was able to control him as well, all the way to his demise! Of course this ended with both of them committing suicide. What an incredible period in World History!
