RIC 264, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR Denarius

Rome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 19mm).
Italian Mint, ca. 30 BCE.

Obverse: Victory standing on prow holding wreath and palm, facing right.

Reverse: Octavian, holding branch, in slow triumphal quadriga advancing right; IMP CAESAR in exergue.

References: HCRI 416; RIC 264; BMCRR 4343; Julia 154.

Provenance: Ex NAC Spring 2020 Sale (25 May 2020) Lot 761; UBS 78 (2008) Lot 1232; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 6 (18 Mar 1936) Lot 1514.

Following the defeat of Antony by Octavian and Agrippa at Actium, Octavian was undisputed leader of the Mediterranean world. By 30 BCE, Octavian had taken complete control of Egypt and the Ptolemaic treasury. The Ptolemaic treasury provided the silver with which Octavian would strike much of his IMP CAESAR coinage of this period both to pay-off his retiring legionary veterans and to fund celebrations in Rome. The obverse of this coin, with Victory standing on a ship’s prow, clearly celebrates the naval victory at Actium. The reverse may depict Octavian’s triumphal entrance into Alexandria. A similar type with CAESAR DIVI F legend was struck in much smaller quantities, likely before the Ptolemaic bullion was moved to Rome.