The obverse boasts an elephant trampling a Carnyx (a Gallic serpent-horn). The use of the elephant served several purposes. Besides showing that his political power in Rome was of of an extraordinary nature, the name Caesar also alluded to the etymology of the name Caesar, which in his own opinion was derived from ancient Punic, caesai meaning elephant. Caesar is known to have used elephants for his invasions of both Gaul and Britain. On the reverse is shown different emblems of the College of Pontiffs: a simpulum (for libations at sacrifices), aspergillum (for sprinkling holy water), securis (an axe), and apex (a priest's cap).