44BC Julius Caesar Portrait Denarius NGC Ch XF Bull Reverse ex Ratto 1927 Rare
JULIUS CAESAR PORTRAIT DENARIUS – THE LAST PORTRAIT OF ROME’S GREATEST CONQUEROR
42 BC Roman Imperatorial AR Denarius | Julius Caesar | NGC Choice XF | Ex Ratto Collection (1927)
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A Coin Struck in the Shadow of Assassination
Few ancient coins capture the turning point of world history quite like this magnificent silver denarius depicting Julius Caesar, the man whose ambition ended the Roman Republic and ushered in the Roman Empire.
Although Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC, this remarkable portrait denarius was struck just two years later in 42 BC by L. Livineius Regulus, preserving the image of Rome’s most celebrated general while his adopted heir, Octavian (the future Augustus), fought to avenge his murder.
Unlike lifetime portraits that proclaimed Caesar’s unprecedented authority, these early posthumous issues became political statements, reminding every Roman citizen that Caesar’s legacy remained alive—and that his assassins would not be forgotten.
Certified NGC Choice Extremely Fine with exceptional 5/5 Surfaces, this impressive example boasts attractive cabinet toning, strong remaining detail, and remarkable eye appeal.
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Historic Specifications
* Roman Imperatorial
* Julius Caesar (d. 44 BC)
* Silver Denarius
* Minted: 42 BC
* Moneyer: L. Livineius Regulus
* Weight: 3.97 grams
* NGC Ancients Choice XF
* Strike: 3/5
* Surface: 5/5
* Pedigree: Ex R. Ratto Fixed Price List (1927), Lot 586
An early 20th-century pedigree such as R. Ratto (1927) adds another level of desirability, connecting this coin to one of the legendary European collections assembled during the golden age of ancient coin collecting.
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The Portrait of Julius Caesar
The obverse presents one of antiquity’s most recognizable faces.
Caesar is shown realistically rather than idealized—a revolutionary departure from earlier Roman tradition. His lined features, receding hairline, and commanding expression project experience, authority, and military genius rather than youthful perfection.
Flanking the portrait are symbols of his lifelong offices:
* Lituus — representing Caesar’s position as an Augur, interpreting the will of the gods.
* Laurel Branch — symbolizing his countless military victories and his perpetual triumph.
Every element reinforces that Caesar’s authority was sanctioned by both military achievement and divine favor.
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The Bull Reverse — A Symbol Filled With Hidden Meaning
The reverse depicts one of the most intriguing and debated images found on Roman Republican coinage—a powerful charging bull.
At first glance, the bull celebrates raw strength, courage, and masculine power. Yet beneath the surface lies layers of symbolism understood by educated Romans.
Military Power
The charging bull embodied unstoppable force and determination.
Roman soldiers frequently associated bulls with aggressive offensive strength, making it a fitting emblem for the commander who conquered Gaul, crossed the Rubicon, defeated Pompey, and forever changed Roman history.
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Religious Symbolism
In Roman religion, bulls were the most prestigious sacrificial animals offered to Jupiter, Mars, and other major deities.
The image therefore connects Caesar with divine approval and suggests that his victories—and even his death—served a higher destiny.
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The Zodiac Connection
Many scholars have suggested the bull may allude to the zodiac sign Taurus.
Although Caesar himself was born under Cancer, Taurus carried strong associations with spring renewal, agricultural prosperity, and rebirth.
Following Caesar’s assassination, the symbolism becomes especially compelling:
Just as spring follows winter, Caesar’s death ultimately gave birth to an entirely new political order under Augustus.
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A Political Statement
The reverse may also represent the enduring strength of Caesar’s political movement.
Even though Caesar had fallen beneath twenty-three assassin’s blades, the bull charges forward undeterred.
Its message would have been unmistakable:
Caesar was dead—but Caesarism was unstoppable.
Within only a few years, Octavian would defeat Brutus and Cassius, establish the Roman Empire, and become Augustus—the first Roman Emperor.
This small silver coin quietly foreshadows one of history’s greatest political transformations.
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Pedigreed to One of Europe’s Great Collections
This specimen carries an impressive pedigree to the celebrated R. Ratto Fixed Price List of 1927.
Coins with nearly century-old documented provenances enjoy increased collector appeal, historical importance, and long-term desirability. They represent not only ancient history but the history of numismatic scholarship itself.
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Why Collect Caesar Portrait Denarii?
Portrait denarii of Julius Caesar remain among the most desirable coins in all of ancient numismatics because they combine:
* One of history’s most influential individuals
* Genuine Roman silver struck over 2,000 years ago
* Historical importance surrounding the fall of the Roman Republic
* Strong worldwide collector demand
* Museum-quality provenance
* Outstanding long-term investment potential
Owning an authentic Julius Caesar portrait denarius is far more than owning an ancient coin—it is possessing a tangible relic from the final chapter of the Roman Republic.
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Buy with Complete Confidence
Capstone Acquisitions is headquartered in Austin, Texas, proudly serving collectors worldwide for over two decades.
As members of the International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), we adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in the rare coin industry. Every coin we offer is carefully vetted for authenticity, quality, historical importance, and long-term collectability.
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