Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 104 12-13 Jun 2018
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Octavian, as Sole Imperator, Silver Denarius (3.77g), 30-29 BC. Uncertain Italian mint, ca. 30-29 BC. Bare head of Octavian right. Reverse: Naval trophy consisting of cruirassh; helmet, shield, two javelins, and two rudders posted on ship's prow right; IMP CAESAR across field. CRI 419. RIC 265a. RSC 119. Rare. Well struck on a nice large flan and lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $1,000 - 1,300
Struck in the aftermath of Octavian's naval victory at Actium, this attractive denarius type depicts the arms and equipment of a Roman marine. Armor and weaponry used by shipborne soldiers was specially designed so as not to drag a soldier to his doom should be be dumped into the water. The muscle-type cuirass was lighter and easier to get out of than the chain mail widely used by land-based soldiers; likewise the smaller hexagonal shield and lightweight javelins were designed for shipboard use.
Struck in the aftermath of Octavian's naval victory at Actium, this attractive denarius type depicts the arms and equipment of a Roman marine. Armor and weaponry used by shipborne soldiers was specially designed so as not to drag a soldier to his doom should be be dumped into the water. The muscle-type cuirass was lighter and easier to get out of than the chain mail widely used by land-based soldiers; likewise the smaller hexagonal shield and lightweight javelins were designed for shipboard use.