Julius Caesar Silver Denarius (40 BC) NGC Choice Extremely Fine

This silver denarius, struck circa 40 BC under the moneyer Q. Voconius Vitulus, honors the deified Julius Caesar and stands among the most evocative posthumous coinages of the Roman Imperatorial era. Issued shortly after Caesar’s assassination, this type reflects both political reverence and the shifting power dynamics that followed the fall of the Republic.

The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Julius Caesar, laureate and rendered with exceptional realism—his thinning hair, sharp profile, and dignified expression marking one of the earliest true portraits of a living Roman. This lifelike representation established a numismatic precedent that defined Imperial portraiture for centuries. The reverse depicts a bull-calf walking left, symbolizing strength, fertility, and sacrificial devotion—an emblem of both Roman piety and the enduring cult of Caesar’s divinity. The legend identifies the responsible moneyer, Q. Voconius Vitulus, whose name fittingly translates to “calf.”

This stunning example is certified Ch XF★ by NGC Ancients, earning a perfect strike grade of 5/5 and a 4/5 surface rating with the coveted Star designation for superior eye appeal. Weighing 4.09 grams of fine silver, it exhibits sharply defined devices and smooth, naturally toned surfaces. The “Fine Style” designation further recognizes the exceptional artistry of its dies—an indication of above-average engraving quality for the issue.

A remarkable specimen from the twilight of the Republic, this denarius captures the transition from Caesar’s mortal legacy to his divine veneration—a defining artifact from the moment the Republic gave way to Empire. A masterpiece of early Roman realism and historical symbolism.

The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.