Lot 4123
Octavian. Gold Aureus (7.8g) minted at Rome, 32-31 BC. Bare head right of Octavian right. Reverse: Equestrian statue of Octavian galloping left, his right hand extended. Sear 1530; Calicó 187; RIC 262; Cohen 73. Strong artistic portrait. Very rare. Very Fine.
Dating back only to the time of Sulla, the aureus at this time was still essentially an extraordinary coin. Its issuance during the Republic and Imperatorial period largely centered on military purposes, and the aureus would usually be struck by a traveling mint under the authority of the commander in the field. It would be Augustus who would bring the aureus into the standard coinage fold and make it into an integral part of the Roman monetary system.
The Octavian counterpart to Antony's legionary series, this aureus was likely struck in preparation for the inevitable confrontation with Antony, the last type to be issued before the Battle of Actium.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $33,350 |
