Julius Caesar

Coins from the era of Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) are among the most significant in ancient history, as Caesar was the first living Roman to place his own portrait on a coin. Because precise ancient mint records are lost, rarity is typically measured by the number of known surviving examples or “dies” used during production.

Most Valuable Julius Caesar and Related Coins
The following specimens are highly prized for their historical connection to Caesar’s life and assassination:

Gold Aureus “Eid Mar” (42 BC): Though issued by his assassin, Marcus Brutus, this coin is the most valuable directly related to Caesar’s legacy. It features a liberty cap and daggers to celebrate the “Ides of March”.
Market Value: A specimen sold for a record $4.2 million (approx. £3.2 million) in 2020.
Mintage Information: Excessively rare; only three gold examples are verified to exist globally.

Gold Aureus (46 BC, Rome Mint): Struck by Aulus Hirtius to pay Caesar’s troops following his Gallic, Egyptian, and African triumphs.

Market Value: High-grade specimens typically range from £10,120 to £16,025. A portrait version in gold can exceed £95,000.
Mintage Information: While exact numbers are unknown, huge quantities were struck from military booty to pay each legionary soldier 5,000 denarii.

Silver Denarius “Elephant” (49–48 BC): Caesar’s most famous military issue, minted while his army moved through Gaul. It depicts an elephant trampling a serpent.

Market Value: Well-struck examples typically range from £650 to £2,815.
Mintage Information: This was a massive issue intended to fund a civil war. It is estimated that 22.5 million were originally minted using at least 750 obverse dies.

Silver Denarius “Portrait” (44 BC): Struck in the final months of Caesar’s life, these were the first coins to show a living Roman leader.

Market Value: Due to their historical weight, “lifetime portrait” coins in good condition can reach £6,750.