Lot 78
Rome. Octavian, 44-27 BC. AR Legionary Denarius (3.91 g), Ephesus (?) mint, struck 28 BC. Bare head of Octavian right. Reverse: Crocodile right; AEGVPTO CAPTA. RIC 545; CRI 432; RSC 4. Sharply struck from fresh dies. A rare and historical issue, boasting one of the finest of his "classicizing" portraits, not only for his Octavian portraits in particular, but for all of his later Augustus issues as well. Handsome light toning. Very rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
In historical terms, this coin is one of the key signposts in Roman coinage. The reverse clearly states, with a symbolism one and all can comprehend, that one of the last and greatest Hellenistic kingdoms has fallen into Roman ownership. However, culturally speaking, a closer look at the coin reveals the Rome under Octavian -- soon to be Augustus -- has become even more captive to Greek culture, art and other influences.
This coin commemorates Octavian's victory at Actium and the seizing of Egypt, thus ending Ptolemaic rule with the death of Cleopatra (and Marc Antony). Usually seen in lower grades, this specimen has much of the small Capricorn under the neck just off the flan; it does share the same reverse die as the coin photographed in Roman Silver Coins (vol. I), p. 131, 4. At the time of Octavian's birth, the moon was in the Capricorn sign of the Zodiac.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 33.
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| Realized $29,900 |
