Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 1 25 Jun 2017
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Octavian and Agrippa. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 2.58 g, 11 h), a contemporary imitation, 38 BC, or slightly later. DIVOS IVLIVS DIVI F CAESAR (sic!) Bare head of Octavian to right. Rev. M AGRIPPA COS / DESIG. Cf. Crawford 534/2 and 534/3. Attractive dark toning. A couple of faint scratches, otherwise, very fine.
This is a very unusual coin: the style looks almost official, yet the obverse names both Julius Caesar and Octavian while only showing the portrait of the latter. It is obvious that the die cutter mixed up the dual portrait issue (Crawford 534/2) with the single portrait type (Crawford 534/3), a mistake that would not have occurred in an official mint. The coin is also considerably too light, so there can be no doubt that it is a contemporary imitation by a skilled but slightly confused artist.
This is a very unusual coin: the style looks almost official, yet the obverse names both Julius Caesar and Octavian while only showing the portrait of the latter. It is obvious that the die cutter mixed up the dual portrait issue (Crawford 534/2) with the single portrait type (Crawford 534/3), a mistake that would not have occurred in an official mint. The coin is also considerably too light, so there can be no doubt that it is a contemporary imitation by a skilled but slightly confused artist.