Denomination : Silver denarius. Date : ca. 49 BC.
Reference : Sear-1399.
Size : 18.5 x 19.5 mm. Weight : 4.13 grams.
Grade : VF.
Obverse : Elephant walking right, trampling a Celtic carnyx (war trumpet), with CAESAR below.
Reverse : A simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex, which are the emblems of the priest hood and symbols of Caesar's position as high priest.
There is controversy over what this elephant is trampling. The most common theory is that it is a serpent, which it certainly cannot be as on many specimens it has ears and what appears to be a feathered head. The carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) is a prominent feature on many of Caesars coins, normally as part of a war trophy, and I am certain this depects an elephant trmpling a carnyx .