Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 30 29 October 2016
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Octavian AR Denarius. Rome, 29-27 BC. Laureate head of Apollo Actius right / Octavian, veiled and in priestly robes, ploughing right with team of oxen; IMP CAESAR in exergue. RIC 272; BMC 638; RSC 117. 4.01g, 19mm, 10h.
Good Very Fine. Old collection tone, lustrous. Rare.
From the S.C. Collection;
Purchased from Roma Numismatics, 3 May 2011;
Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 174, 27 September 2010, lot 616;
Ex UBS 78, 9 September 2008, lot 1240;
Acquired from M. Franchesci, Brussels.
The obverse of this rare coin borrows from the Greek tradition of moulding the features of a deity to resemble the ruler, as was the case on the coinage of Alexander III 'the Great' and his father Philip. The reverse depicts Octavian as city founder of Nikopolis in Epirus, established in 31 BC at the site of the battle of Actium in memory of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra. The sacred boundary was marked by a pomerium or sacred furrow. On the spot where Octavian's own tent had been pitched he built a monument adorned with the beaks of the captured galleys; and in further celebration of his victory he instituted the so-called Actian games in honour of Apollo Actius, who had an ancient temple on the promontory there.
Good Very Fine. Old collection tone, lustrous. Rare.
From the S.C. Collection;
Purchased from Roma Numismatics, 3 May 2011;
Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 174, 27 September 2010, lot 616;
Ex UBS 78, 9 September 2008, lot 1240;
Acquired from M. Franchesci, Brussels.
The obverse of this rare coin borrows from the Greek tradition of moulding the features of a deity to resemble the ruler, as was the case on the coinage of Alexander III 'the Great' and his father Philip. The reverse depicts Octavian as city founder of Nikopolis in Epirus, established in 31 BC at the site of the battle of Actium in memory of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra. The sacred boundary was marked by a pomerium or sacred furrow. On the spot where Octavian's own tent had been pitched he built a monument adorned with the beaks of the captured galleys; and in further celebration of his victory he instituted the so-called Actian games in honour of Apollo Actius, who had an ancient temple on the promontory there.