Julius Caesar's Grand Siege of Alesia
Julius Caesar, a renowned Roman general and statesman, reshaped the Roman Empire and left an indelible mark on military history. His victory at the Battle of Alesia in 52 BCE stands as one of his most impressive feats, where Caesar and his army defeated a Gaulish force more than five times their size. With his strategic ingenuity, Caesar constructed dual fortification lines—an 18 km inner wall around the besieged Gaulish fort and a 21 km outer wall to repel reinforcements—defeating an attacking force of over 300,000 Gauls with only 60,000 men.
This coin, the second release in the "Masters of War" series, features an intricate design that vividly captures Caesar’s command at Alesia. The reverse portrays Caesar in a powerful stance, pointing forward while holding a baton, surrounded by his centurions, each armored and equipped in precise, high-relief detail. The backdrop highlights the impressive Roman fortification lines, a testament to Caesar's strategic prowess.
On the obverse, a complex, action-filled scene depicts the fierce Battle of Alesia, showcasing the Roman army overpowering the Gauls led by Vercingetorix. The dual fortifications around the battle add to the depth, representing one of history's greatest siege strategies. Every aspect of this coin is crafted to tell the story of Caesar’s tactical genius and Rome's military might.
Issued by the Republic of Chad in 2025, this 2 oz legal tender .999 fine silver coin measures 45 mm in diameter and boasts an antiqued ultra-high relief finish. With a face value of 10,000 Francs CFA and limited to just 500 pieces, this collectible honors Caesar’s legacy as one of history’s true masters of war.