A Good Problem to Have - Julius Caesar Denarii

Julius Caesar is not a focus of my collecting interest but I found myself picking up my 4th elephant type. My first three are different enough that I don't need an excuse to keep them, but my latest pickup will likely force me to sell one of the two below.

I was more than content with the first example.



Somehow, I now own this second example below as well. (Bidding higher than the next guy is the likely reason)



As I type this, I find it interesting that the first coin shows the elephant almost fearful, with it's head back and front leg out, rearing back slightly, with the serpent rising up. The second coin shows a more unafraid Elephant, giving a good trampling, ready to gore the serpent.

Still, I think one will have to go to make room for more Flavians, I just need to decide which one. I would love to hear opinions.

 

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Both are very nice but the first one is markedly better with its unusually good (for type) centering, even strike, and full CAESAR. Keep the first one.

The second has less wear but to me, the slight wear on the first is trivial and the first coin has more appeal.

The second coin would probably do quite will consigned to a company like Great Collections. They'd have it slabbed and it would get an NGC grade of MS. Who cares what the surface and strike numbers are-- the Great Collections customer who buys it won't know or care as long the label says "MS" and "Julius Caesar" .

Oh no, did I really just recommend slabbing a coin?

 

I agree with TIF. The first is the better of the two in my mind.

 

The horror! The horror!

 

I concur with everyone else so far. Keep the first one. It has the whole word CAESAR and overall much better eye appeal.

 

I'd keep the first one.

 

I also feel as everyone else does...and I really LOVE that newest purchase!!!

 

I agree with all y'all as well. I think the second one will have to go before to long but I'll enjoy it for the time being. Thanks for the input.

 

I will pile on with the rest. I would keep the first one.

 

Sell the second one... to me, I like it better. Go ahead and keep the first one.

 

The first one is better, in my opinion, for TIF's reasons.

 

Nemo - I find there are 4 distinct types of Caesar elephants and both of yours is what I call the Fat Elephant. You can certainly do with just one of that type and I'd keep the first one as the others have suggested.

Now you need examples of the other 3. Do you have any?

 

Although the second elephant is better (less wear, no holes), as the others I would keep the first coin for it's overall look, good centering, full CAESAR and complete reverse.

I wouldn't mind owning the second if it were the only one though

Q

 

Those are some great elephants Carthago!

In addition to the two I already posted, I have one Skinny-Piggy Elephant.

And one flip-over double-strike. (Appears to be the skinny variety)


I always thought of there just being the pig and "normal" elephant types. I didn't ever notice the difference between the fat and skinny elephants before.
Just what I needed, another set to complete.....

 

I guess I'll post my sole example------a budget denarius with a 'skinny' elephant??:

 

Let's PLAY IN THE MUD!!!


RImp CAESAR 49 BCE AR Denarius Military Mint Traveling Elephant-Pontificate Emblems OBV-REV Craw 443-1 3-79g 17mm.JPG

 

Here is mine. Not sure what type it is.

 

As everyone seem to throw in their examples, here's mine


Julius Caesar, Denarius minted in Italy, c.49 BC
CAESAR, elephant walking rigth, trampling on snake
No legend, Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and apex
4.05 gr
Ref : HCRI # 9, RCV #1399, Cohen #49

Q

 

I really like your example. Just right to me!