Lot 269: Asia Minor, Uncertain mint. Peseudo-autonomous issue. Æ. Time of Augustus (?), 27 B.C.-A.D. 14.

Asia Minor, Uncertain mint. Peseudo-autonomous issue. Æ (19 mm, 1.25 g, 12 h). Time of Augustus (?), 27 B.C.-A.D. 14. Centaur (Sagittarius?) galloping right, shooting bow / Capricorn right. Green patina. Very fine. 

This enigmatic coin is attributed to the time of Augustus largely on the basis of the Capricorn type, which was a popular emblem of the Emperor. Unfortunately, its precise meaning is the subject of dispute, with some claiming that Capricorn was the zodiacal sign of his birth and others that it was the sign of his conception. It appears on a number of imperial and provincial coin issues during his reign. It is possible that the centaur type on this coin represents the sign of Sagittarius. In this case, it may be the birth sign of M. Vipsanius Agrippa, the lieutenant and intended heir of Augustus. He is suspected to have been born in the month of November, the end of which is ruled by Sagittarius.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 269
• Listing #: 227068
• Closed: Friday, September 28, 2018 4:44:40 PM CT
• Estimate: $50