My Julius Caesar does not have an elephant, but does have the pontifical and augury implements. Julius Caesar, 46 BC minted in Utica (?) obv: COS.TERT.DICT.ITER Head of Ceres right rev: culullus, aspergillum, praefericulum and lituus, AVGVR above, PONT.MAX below, M in right field AR denarius 3.68 gm - 18 mm Ref: SR1403/2, RSC.4, Cr.467/1b, Syd 1024
ACG: I really like this piece, well struck, good detail, bankers mark, excellent toning, good centering, good wear so it has been circulated. Dictator - the title at that time had a much different perspective than how it is perceived now. Well done! Nice find!
Some great coins from everyone. I love Caesar elephants. TIF mentioned multiple types of elephants on this prolific issue and indeed she has 2 of them. I believe there are 4 main types which I call Fat, Crude (or Pigafunt), Hybrid, and Normal. They are posted in that order below. It's an enormous issue and likely had multiple mints perhaps over a long period of time, probably explaining such a difference in designs.
I don't have a JC elephant - i posted my JC Venus / Aeneas carrying father the other week. I am also missing a JC portrait - they are very pricey. I can't find a decent portrait on vcoins for under a grand, and even then the coins have problems. If anybody knows where one can get a reasonably priced JC portrait let me know.
Yes, they are pricey and typically not a very rare coin, but since it's Caesar they command a major premium. I reviewed MA Shops and SixBid and there are some possibilities under $1000 (USD), but I don't know what you consider decent or problems. I would troll the web auctions if I were you...Roma or CNG have them regularly and you'll get an authentic coin from them. Lots of forgeries with Caesar portraits too. Looking in CoinArchives, I've found what I would consider decent portraits that have sold for less than $1000 USD. This one below is for sale at MA Shops for 650 EUR. If you shop, I think you could do better but it's an interesting type and pun on the monnier's name.
Carthago, I always liked this hybrid (your 3rd) and I must say that having all four is quite a nice little grouping. I have always wanted a caesar, to say I own a caesar, but I always end up buying a large Greek coin. But these are definitely four very choice examples. Is that third from NAC? I think i bid on this once. Really nice... Hmmm. btw I must say I felt odd for a moment and realized it was this thing called envy , stirring deep inside .....and it is making me resort to emoticons, so I must move on.....because emoticons are a slippery slope ........see, now I am just randomly choosing them......Like I said, slippery.
Amazing just how many gorgeous examples have already been posted.... I think it only fair that Carthago should be my extra Secret Santa
Love your post 4!!! Thank you for the kind words and the wonderful assortment of emo's! Yes, #3 is from NAC. It was RBW's coin, in fact. I was watching the auction online and had someone bidding for me in the auction and decided to bid on this on my own at the last minute. I only won 1 other coin from his collection, but have bought a few since 2nd hand. It's one of my favorite coins and I'm eternally glad I pushed the "bid" button (several times).
Thanks for confirming. Ancient coins are each so unique that, for me at least, I can remember them like a human face. Instantly recognizable, but remembering from where, not so easy.