Lot 3470

Description

Augustus, in memorial of Julius Caesar, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), plated silver denarius, type of Rome mint, issued 17 B.C. by M. Sanquinius, (3.046 grams), obv. Julius Caesar laureate head to right, comet above showing four rays and tail, around M SANQVI NIVS III VIR, rev. bare head of Augustus to right, around AVGVSTVS DIVI F, (S.1621, RIC 338, RSC 1[Julius Caesar and Augustus], BMC 71). Trace of plating underneath, otherwise very fine and very rare.

Ex. Spink Noble Sale 40 (lot 2600 part). The deification of Julius Caesar occurred in December 42 B.C., but the comet appeared shortly after his death. This piece was struck some thirty years later and also commemorates the Ludi Saeculares held in 17 B.C.