Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
"DIVVS IVLIVS" Comet Issues

Denarius, Caesaraugusta (?) circa 19-18 BC, AR 3.98 g. CAESAR – AVGVSTVS Oak-wreathed head r. Rev. DIVVS – IVLIVS Eight-rayed comet with tail upwards. C 98 var. (laureate). BMC 323. RIC 37a. CBN 1292.
Rare. Wonderful old cabinet tone and extremely fine

Privately purchased from Ed Waddell.

The commonly seen style of this type with reverse legend at either side – see below for alternate legend positioning. MSG.

After the death of Julius Caesar a fortuitous omen appeared. During the summer of 44 BC a comet, clearly visible, crossed the night sky. This was seen as a symbol of Caesar rising to the heavens. This omen was a strong asset in Octavian's successful attempt to get the Roman senate to deify Caesar. The coin type here is believed to be related to Augustus' plans to hold the secular games in 17 BC. He used this coinage to reinforce the deification leading up to this important event. Augustus is shown wearing the oak wreath defining the senate honoring him with the "Corona Civica", an honor bestowed upon a Roman who saves another Romans' life. In this case, Augustus saved untold Roman lives by ending the civil war. MSG.