Lot 4783

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (probably Colonia Caesar Augusta), issued 19-18 B.C. (3.50 g), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right around CAE[SAR] AVGVSTVS, rev. DIVVS IVLIVS, across to left and right of eight ray comet with tail upwards, (cf.S.1607, RIC 37a, RSC 98, BMC 323). Slightly off centred on obverse, otherwise fine and rare.

Ex Collection of Barry Allen Jones with ticket from M.R. Roberts. The Julian star was the comet that 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.