Lot 164: Octavian. 30-29 B.C. AR denarius. Italian mint, possibly Rome. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 24 (Auction 331)
- Sold Winning Bid: $175
- 9 Bid(s)
Octavian. 30-29 B.C. AR denarius (19 mm, 3.08 g, 6 h). Italian mint, possibly Rome. Bare head of Octavian right / IMP CAESAR across field, trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, shield, and crossed spears, set on prow of galley right. RIC 265a (Augustus); HCRI 419; BMC 625; RSC 119 (Augustus). Toned, a number of old scratches on obverse under tone. Very fine.
An aureus of Octavian (RIC I 273; HCRI 418) depicts a trophy of similar form within a temple with a Sicilian triskeles in its pediment, and thus commemorates Octavian's naval victory over Sextus Pompey at the Battle of Naulochus in 36 B.C. This denarius type does not make such specific allusions – it could celebrate the Battle of Naulochus or Octavian's more recent naval victory, the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 164
- Listing #: 220436
- Closed: Monday, July 16, 2018 6:54:20 PM CT
- Estimate: $200