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Crawford 535/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AE 31
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Rome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 38 BCE.
AE 31 (16.72g; 31mm).
Italian mint.
Obverse: DIVI F; Bare head of Octavian facing right; star before.
Reverse: DIVOS IVLIVS inscription in two lines within laurel wreath.
References: Crawford 535/2; HCRI 309; RBW 1823 (this coin); Sydenham 1336; BMCRR (Gaul) 108-110; Julia 101.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 190] and [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 572]; ex Stack's (30 Apr 1986), Lot 1761; ex Frederick Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3 May 1978), Lot 737].
While probably a dupondius or sestertius, the actual denomination of this coin is uncertain, thus I call it AE 31. The star on the obverse may represent the bright comet that was seen for 7 days shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar and was interpreted as a sign of his divinity. The reverse refers to the laurel wreath that the Senate granted Julius Caesar the right to wear at all times. The coin type is certainly Octavian’s attempt to portray himself as the son and rightful heir of the god Julius.
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![Crawford 535/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AE 31
Rome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 38 BCE.
AE 31 (16.72g; 31mm).
Italian mint.
Obverse: DIVI F; Bare head of Octavian facing right; star before.
Reverse: DIVOS IVLIVS inscription in two lines within laurel wreath.
References: Crawford 535/2; HCRI 309; RBW 1823 (this coin); Sydenham 1336; BMCRR (Gaul) 108-110; Julia 101.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 190] and [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 572]; ex Stack's (30 Apr 1986), Lot 1761; ex Frederick Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3 May 1978), Lot 737].
While probably a dupondius or sestertius, the actual denomination of this coin is uncertain, thus I call it AE 31. The star on the obverse may represent the bright comet that was seen for 7 days shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar and was interpreted as a sign of his divinity. The reverse refers to the laurel wreath that the Senate granted Julius Caesar the right to wear at all times. The coin type is certainly Octavian’s attempt to portray himself as the son and rightful heir of the god Julius.](albums/userpics/34967/OctaviandupondiusKnobloch.jpg "Crawford 535/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AE 31
Rome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 38 BCE.
AE 31 (16.72g; 31mm).
Italian mint.
Obverse: DIVI F; Bare head of Octavian facing right; star before.
Reverse: DIVOS IVLIVS inscription in two lines within laurel wreath.
References: Crawford 535/2; HCRI 309; RBW 1823 (this coin); Sydenham 1336; BMCRR (Gaul) 108-110; Julia 101.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 190] and [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 572]; ex Stack's (30 Apr 1986), Lot 1761; ex Frederick Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3 May 1978), Lot 737].
While probably a dupondius or sestertius, the actual denomination of this coin is uncertain, thus I call it AE 31. The star on the obverse may represent the bright comet that was seen for 7 days shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar and was interpreted as a sign of his divinity. The reverse refers to the laurel wreath that the Senate granted Julius Caesar the right to wear at all times. The coin type is certainly Octavian’s attempt to portray himself as the son and rightful heir of the god Julius.")
