Denarius of Julius Caesar

Peter Vernon sent in the images of this coin on behalf of a detecting colleague named Chris, who wanted an ID and a valuation for a landowner. Peter thought the coin could be a Roman Republican denarius but it dates from the Imperatorial period (49-27 BC), which eventually led to full power being placed in the hands of an emperor.

This denarius was struck at a military mint travelling in Italy with Julius Caesar. On the obverse is an elephant facing right with CAESAR below. The reverse depicts various emblems of the pontificate. This type is listed in volume I of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values as number 1399 and is dated to 49BC.

Valuation

The type is distinctive but not particularly rare. The example found by Chris would grade Fine but the obverse has been struck well of centre. When it comes to commercial value eye appeal is a significant factor. Unfortunately, the surface on both sides of this coin is not attractive and this certainly reduces its eye appeal. With attractive surfaces I’d have said more but as it stands my price range for this denarius would be no higher than £60 to £80.

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