Octavian and Divus Julius Caesar, silver denarius Start Price USD 1,200.00 Current Price USD 1,200.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Location Georgia See more about 'Octavian and Divus Julius Caesar, silver denarius' Description Octavian and Divus Julius Caesar. 32-31 BC.AR Denarius. Italian (Rome?) Mint.RIC I  257; CRI 401; RSC 61.Obverse: Bare head of Octavian right.Reverse: Mercury or Apollo naked seated right on rock, upon which is spread his clock, petasus (or shield?) slung on his back, holding lyre with both hands. CAESAR in left field, DIVIS (?) in right field. According to information printed in the Triton XI catalog 2008 (The Richard Prideaux Collection of Augustus, Part One, Lot 642) the collector Prideaux "takes exception to the usual interpretation of this reverse. First, this male figure cannot be Mercury, as the lyre would have been depicted as the one he invented - with a tortoise shell. In addition, he should be wearing either his winged petasus or his winged sandals, or would have a caduceus nearby. These symbols were canonical and easy to engrave. Second, the object described by many as a petasus is a shield seen at a 3/4 angle (cf. RIC I 250 where the shield is leaning against a column). On some specimens of this type, it is possible to see that the object is decorated. Warriors used to carry shields slung on their back after the battle, which for this issue would have implied Actium. The coin in the Triton auction (lot 642) which is in EF condition is estimated at $3000! Our coin is thus a bargain.In the Triton description: "The lyre is the key: as it is not one with a tortoise shell, it is therefore a standard variety. This type of lyre is commonly depicted on coins with Apollo, who must be the deity depicted here, with his shield put aside and playing the lyre on Actium's rock. This type matches perfectly all the other types of its group (RIC I 250-263): Octavian (the winner), Venus (for Caesar), Apollo (for Actium), Neptune (for the naval victory), Victory, Triumph, and Pax. That was a well balanced propaganda program! This theory would probably require a downdating for some of these issues to just after Actium, rather than just before." A similar coin is featured in the Classical Numismatic Group 2008 calendar (January).In the specimen here, it looks more like the god Mercury whose sandals appear to have wings. The coin is sold in beautiful presentation box within protective capsule (see photo) and including certificate of authenticity from Worldwide Treasure Bureau. I believe this coin to be in Choice VF condition.Emperor Augustus (63 B.C. - A.D. 14), first Roman emperor and grandnephew of Julius Caesar, Octavian became Augustus as a title of honor granted by the Roman senate in 27 B.C. After Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C., Octavian became his heir and contended for power with Marc Antony. Augustus prevailed and became emperor. After the naval victory at Actium in 31 B.C. over Antony and Cleopatra, his authority became absolute. He was a patron of Virgil, Ovid, Livy, and Horace. He established and enforced the Pax Romana. He was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius, son of his wife Livia.Return accepted only within 7 days of receipt of the coin. Partial refund will be issued that will not include shipping costs, insurance, Ebay fees, and a 10% restocking fee, so bid accordingly. Prices are skyrocketing for these imperatorial coins!PLEASE NOTE: BY BIDDING ON THIS ITEM YOU ARE AGREEING TO OUR PAYMENT AND SHIPPING TERMSCombine shipping policy within a three day period:First item-- full shipping and/or insurance.Second item--50% off.Third and subsequent articles-- free. Place a Bid!