Julius Caesar (49-44 BC) – AR Fourrée Denarius. North Africa 46 BC. / Syd. 1024

Roman Imperatorial – Julius Caesar (49-44 BC) – AR Fourrée Denarius. North Africa (Utica?) mint 46 BC.

Obv: Head of Ceres right, wearing grain ear wreath; COS•TERT downwards behind, DICT•ITER upwards before.

Rev: Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, capis, and lituus; M to right, AVGVR above, PONT•MAX below.

Reference: Crawford 467/1b; Sydenham 1024
Weight: 3.28 g
Diameter: 18.3 mm
Metal: Silvered bronze

The general shift over the late Republican period in the principal loyalty of Roman soldiers from the state itself to their commanding general is well known. This coin is an example of just how such close bonds were being formed between generals and their men – money, and other such rewards for service coming straight from their general. The 'M' on the reverse side is short for 'munus', meaning 'gift' or here 'compensation' and most likely indicates that this coin was minted to pay Caesar's veterans after their victory in the Battle of Thapsus earlier in 46 BC. Combined with the legends which list out Caesar's titles and the reverse imagery which depicts the various instruments of Caesar's offices, this coin offers no doubt as to who was giving them this 'munus'. The head of Ceres on the obverse refers to Africa, the breadbasket of the world, won for Caesar by his men with this victory which effectively ended the African stage of the Civil War. The equation this coin poses, then, is clear – win victory for Caesar and you will be handsomely rewarded.

Provenance: ex private collection
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