Lot 2058

Description

Augustus as Octavian, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, mint moving with Octavian, issued 36 B.C., (3.9 grams), obv. bare head of Octavian to right around IMP CAES[AR DIVI F] III VIR ITER R P C, rev. Julius Caesar in temple of four columns, frontal inscribed DIVO IVL, altar on left, around COS ITER ET TER DESIG, (S.452, Cr. 540/2, C.90, Syd.1338, BMC Africa 33). Has a banker's S countermarked on neck, weak at edge, in places, otherwise attractive even grey with touch of blue patina, very fine and rare.

Ex. B.A. Seaby, London, July 1974. This coin was struck in 36 B.C. and portrays the temple which was built on the spot where the body of Caesar had been burnt and initially where a temporary altar had been erected. It was believed to have not yet been completed in 36 B.C.