Lot 1089

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, (3.7 grams), obv. Julius Caesar laureate head to right, comet above showing four rays and tail, around M SANQVI NIVS III VIR, rev. herald or priest in long robe and feathered helmet standing left, right hand holding winged caduceus and left a shield, around AVGVST DI VI F LVDOS SAE, (S.-, RIC 340, C.6 [Julius Caesar], BMC 70). Slightly of centred on the obverse, otherwise fine and very rare.

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.