JULIUS CAESAR. AR Denarius (3.91 gms), Military Mint Traveling with Caesar, 49 B.C. NGC MS, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5.Cr-443/1; CRI-9; Syd-1006. Obverse: Elephant advancing right, trampling upon horned serpent; Reverse: Emblems of the pontificate; simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. An ever popular type, the elephant denarii of Julius Caesar remain a must for any collection, and this specimen is a gorgeous representation of the emission. Due to its manufacture in a military mint which traveled with Caesar, the strikings tend to suffer from off centering on one or both sides, sometimes tending to the extreme. This piece presents perfect centering on the obverse, and just a small degree of off centering on the reverse, though all of the devices are complete. Further augmenting its appeal are its alluring surfaces which exhibit an attractive cabinet tone, along with no evidence of wear and a good deal of underlying luster remaining. An exceptional opportunity to obtain a transcendent coin with a mint state designation.
