Julius Caesar AR Denarius (c. 46 BC) Ceres & Priestly Implements – NGC Choice Extremely Fine

This remarkable silver denarius was struck during the lifetime of Julius Caesar, likely in 46 BC, as the Roman Republic gave way to Caesar’s new political order. Issued under his authority as Dictator Perpetuo and struck by one of his moneyers, this coin reflects both the religious and agrarian foundations of Caesar’s rule. It circulated at a pivotal moment when Republican traditions were dissolving, and the imagery of divine favor and fertility sought to reinforce Caesar’s legitimacy as Rome’s supreme leader. Few coins so perfectly capture the transition from Republic to Empire as this issue.

The obverse portrays Ceres, goddess of agriculture and grain, wearing a wreath of corn ears — a symbol of abundance and the prosperity Caesar promised to restore after years of civil war. Her calm, idealized profile evokes both divine serenity and maternal strength, traits that would have resonated deeply with the Roman populace. Around the portrait, the legend honors the issuing moneyer, connecting civic duty with divine blessing.

The reverse displays a collection of priestly implements — a simpulum (ladle), aspergillum (sprinkler), jug, and lituus (augural staff). These sacred tools symbolize the offices of the Roman priesthood, emphasizing Caesar’s role as Pontifex Maximus, or high priest of Rome. The imagery reinforced his authority not just as a military conqueror, but as the moral and spiritual custodian of the Republic’s ancient traditions. Together, the obverse and reverse form a powerful visual statement of divine sanction and religious continuity.

Graded Choice XF by NGC with Strike 4/5 and Surface 5/5, this specimen offers sharp detail, natural luster, and beautifully preserved silver tone. Weighing 3.91 grams, it stands as both an artistic and historical masterpiece — a tangible link to the man who forever changed the course of Western civilization.

The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.