Lot 2109

Description

Augustus as Octavian, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), AE as, Narbo mint (Grant believed Arelate), issued Spring/Summer 40 B.C., (13.44 grams), obv. bare head of Augustus to right, traces of CAESAR to left, rev. prow to right with superstructure, I above, within dotted border, (S.-, RPC 518 [p.152], RIC - [but noted in 1st edition as Gaul mint], Sim. 1410 [p.165-6, Vol.VII], Grant Plate II No.11, Martini Colln. Ratto 1930, No.1497; Santamaria 1961, No.180; C.737). Very good/nearly fine and of great rarity.

Ex. Glendining's London, July 8, 1981 (lot 763 part). Few of these coins have ever appeared on the market, this is believed to be the first for many years. This issue of asses have been diversely attributed, but a Narbonese origin has been demonstrated by the discovery of a small hoard of the coins at Narbonne in 1973. Others since then have gathered the material and tried to elucidate the historical context. The issue is believed to be issued in 40 B.C. either in the Spring/Summer, when Octavian was in Gaul, or in the Autumn when Agrippa took command of Gallia Comata and the Provincia which Octavian had received after the Brindisi agreement of September 40 B.C. (RPC p.152).