It is interesting how symbols and imagery were used in ancient coinage. The caduceus being the staff of Mercury, said to symbolize commerce and negotiation. Ironically, it is inappropriately used as a symbol of medical practice in the US. The bull representing strength, masculinity, virality and kingly power. Julius Caesar (49-44 BC). AR denarius. Rome, 42 BC, L. Livineius Regulus, moneyer. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right; laurel branch behind, caduceus before, dotted border. Reverse REGVLVS, bull charging right; dotted border. RSC 27. Share your coinage with your favorite imagery; caduceus, Julius Caesar, bull or whatever you find interesting and why
So you’re the one who won that?...I was wondering if I would see it on CT. I haven’t had any luck in the last few auctions. I’m very jealous! Enjoy...It is a truly fantastic piece!
Thanks! It ended up hammering a little more than hoped for, but the other fine style Julius that sold this past January ended at the same price, so I guess this is the market’s rate. A few coins sold for way more than I thought possible. Very strong market for coins even during these difficult times.
The caduceus isn't the symbol of medical practice in the US (at least not the physician's symbol)... the staff of Asklepios is. That aside, fantastic coin .
Thanks! And yes, that’s what it should be. Except most representations in the US show two snakes intertwined, which is the caduceus. The Staff of Asklepios would have only 1 snake, and would be the correct symbol for healing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus The caduceus is often incorrectly used as a symbol of healthcare organizations and medical practice, particularly in the United States of America, due to confusion with the traditional medical symbol, the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and is never depicted with wings - the logo of the World Health Organization uses the Rod of Asclepius as its basis.