Lot 5276

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, (2.65 grams), obv. Julius Caesar laureate head to right, comet above showing four rays and tail, around M SANQVI NIVS III VIR, rev. Augustus head right, around AVGVSTVS DIVI F, (S.-, RIC 338, RSC 1 [Julius Caesar and Augustus], B.Julia 257, C.6 [Julius Caesar], BMC 71). Filed about edge, scratch on surface, copper core visible on obverse, otherwise good fine and very rare.

Ex Vinchon, Paris with his ticket. 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.