Roman Republic Denarius, Rome Mint 49 BC

This coin was minted in Rome in 49 BC after Julius Caesar and his armies crossed the Rubicon River. They were marching toward Rome to engage Pompey and the senate. The republican legionary standards do not have the solar eclipse symbols but have lunar crescents. The "C" and dot on the reverse is the name of the consul. In contrast the coins of Julius Caesar have a solar eclipse symbol incorporated into their legionary standard.