Lot 1784

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesar Augusta), issued 19-18 B.C. (3.58 grams), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right around CAESAR [AVG]VSTVS, rev. DIVVS IVLIVS, across to left and right of eight ray comet with tail upwards, (cf.1607, RIC 37a, C.98, BMC 323). Slightly off centred on obverse, otherwise very fine and rare.

Ex Colin E. Pitchfork Collection sold Noble Numismastics Sale 56 (lot 2060). The Julian star was the comet that which appeared in the heavens shortly after the death of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. It was taken as a sign of the late dictator's divinity. Scientific astronomical calculations have proved that a comet did in fact appear shortly after Caesar's death,