Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 104 12-13 Jun 2018
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Augustus, Silver Denarius (3.89g). 27 BC-AD 14. Spain, Caesaraugusta (?), 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, head of Augustus right wearing oak wreath. Reverse: DIVVS IVLIVS, eight-rayed comet with tail upwards. RIC 37a. BMCRE 323-5. RSC 98. A pleasing and historic type, well struck on a nice large flan and lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $1,500 - UP
Ex Peus 419, lot 443.
This lovely denarius depicts on its reverse the "Julian Star," a bright comet that appeared in the heavens over the summer of 44 BC, a few months after the assassination of Julius Caesar (March 15, 44 BC). Based on eyewitness descriptions, the comet was clearly visible in the daytime, making it one of the brightest comets on record. It has never reappeared and may have been destroyed on a suicidal dive into the sun. The ancients did not understand the nature of comets as celestial ice balls moving within our Solar System, and the apparition was held to signal the ascension of Caesar's soul to the heavens. This proved quite useful in Octavian's effort to get the Senate to deify his adoptive father. During his later reign as Augustus, he made extensive use of the comet in state propaganda.
Ex Peus 419, lot 443.
This lovely denarius depicts on its reverse the "Julian Star," a bright comet that appeared in the heavens over the summer of 44 BC, a few months after the assassination of Julius Caesar (March 15, 44 BC). Based on eyewitness descriptions, the comet was clearly visible in the daytime, making it one of the brightest comets on record. It has never reappeared and may have been destroyed on a suicidal dive into the sun. The ancients did not understand the nature of comets as celestial ice balls moving within our Solar System, and the apparition was held to signal the ascension of Caesar's soul to the heavens. This proved quite useful in Octavian's effort to get the Senate to deify his adoptive father. During his later reign as Augustus, he made extensive use of the comet in state propaganda.