Ancient Roman Imperatorial - 47 BCE Julius Caesar AR Denarius NGC XF

This coin tells a story that blends history and mythology. It was in late 47 BC that Caesar arrived in Sicily in order to ready his troops to attack the allied forces of his enemies who were gathering in North Africa. They were led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Scipio, Cato the Younger and their ally King Juba of Numidia. It was usual for Caesar to have his coins produced during his campaigns so he could keep his forces well paid and consistently loyal. Thus the denarius offered here was struck during that respite in Sicily by Aulus Allienus, his proconsul of Sicily, who served as the dictator's moneyer. The image on the reverse is that of Trinacrus, a son of Neptune who has a connection to Sicily, for his name probably derives from another name for the island, Trinacria ("three-cornered land"). This theme is reinforced by having Trinacrus holding the Triskeles, an emblem of Sicily that consists of three limbs emanating from a central point. His foot is on the prow of a ship, one of Caesar's vessels being prepared for the upcoming battle. This suggests that Trinacrus is about to give the ship a thrust into the water and on its way. The reverse of this coin tells the story of Sicily both supporting and launching Caesar's flotilla to victory supported by the son of the god Neptune.