Lot 2526

Description

Octavian and Julius Caesar, (assassinated 44 B.C.), AE as, South Italy mint (probably Puteoli), struck 38 B.C.?, (12.13 grams), obv. head of Octavian to right, bearded, before, CA[ESAR], behind [DI]VI.[F] rev. wreathed head of Julius Caesar, before DIVOS, IVLIVS behind, (cf.S.465 [£450], Cr.535/1, Syd.1335); another (12.87 grams); another (10.64 grams), obv. head of Octavian to right [DIVI] F behind, star before, rev. laureate head of Julius Caesar to right IVLIVS behind, with possible traces of overtrike of DIVOS IVLIVS in centre within laurel wreath (cf.S.466 [£350], CNR 16 [p.161 only one published]). First and third coins has been polished, all about fine with reasonable portraits of Caesar and Octavian, very scarce. (3)

Ex. B.R. Noble Collection, Glendining's London, 11 December, 1975 (lot 144 part for the first and third coins) and Glendining's London, 8 December 1981 (lot 342 part for the second coin). The last coin is most unusual as it shows almost no evidence of overstriking and could also be regarded as a mule of both types (S.465 and 466).