Lot 4795

Description

Augustus, in memorial of Julius Caesar, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, type of Rome mint, issued 17 B.C. by M. Sanquinius, (3.82 g), obv. bare head of Augustus to right, around AVGVSTVS DIVI F, rev. Julius Caesar laureate head to right, comet above showing four rays and tail, around M SANQVI NIVS III VIR, (S.1621, RIC 338, RSC 1 [Julius Caesar and Augustus], BMC 71). Lightly toned, nearly very fine and very rare.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection and purchased from Clark Smith in 2001.
A comet appeared during the games given by Octavian in honor of Caesar in 44 BC and was interpreted as Caesar's soul entering heaven; hence a comet was placed above the head of his statues. The present coin was issued in connection with Augustus' Saecular Games the Ludi Saeculares, held in 17 B.C., the same reverse type also occurs with obverse Herald standing left, with a legend 'Augustus, Son of a God, (celebrated) Saecular Games'.