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02 Augustus RIC I 0037a
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Augustus 27 B.C.-14 A.D. AR Denarius. Spanish Mint c. 19-18 A.D. (3.43g, 19.7m, 6h). Obv: AVGVSTVS CAESAR, oak-wreathed head right. Rev: DIVVS IVLIVS, to l. and r. of eight-rayed comet with tail upwards. RIC I 37a. RSC 98.
The Caesaris Astrum, or Star of Caesar, appeared in 44 B.C., mere months after Caesar’s assassination during the Ludi Victoriae Caesaris. The appearance of the comet was taken as a dramatic sign of the deification of Caesar, and not lost on Augustus as an ongoing propaganda opportunity as this coin demonstrates.
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