Roman Imperatorial: Octavian (43-27 BC)

 
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Octavian - RIC 543a - 35-34 BC.


 Octavian/Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
Octavian AR denarius - Shield - Good portrait, 35-34 BC.
Weight: 3.63gm, 19.6mm.
Struck in Spanish or northern Italian mint traveling with Octavian in Illyricum
Obverse: Bare head right.
Reverse: Round shield with three concentric rows of studs and central boss; IMP above, CAE-SAR at sides, DIVI F below.
References: RIC I p85, 543a; Sear CRI 392; RSC 126.
Grade: VF, good portrait, tiny round banker's mark concentric with ear hole.
The design is traditionally described as a shield, but no shield on a Roman coin appears depicted in this manner.
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Octavian - RIC 251 - 32-39 BC.
 Octavian AR Denarius - CAESAR DIVI F
Octavian AR Denarius. 32-29 BC.
Obverse: Diademed head of Venus or Pax right.
Reverse: CAESAR - DIVI F, Octavian, in military dress, rushing left, bearing spear in left hand and raising right.
References: RIC 251, RSC 70, BMC 609.
Weight: 3.6 grammes, 20mm
Grade: Extremely Fine, very attractive toning.
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Octavian - RIC 256 - 30-27 BC.
 Octavian AR Denarius - CAESAR DIVI F
Octavian AR Denarius. 30-27 BC.
Undetermined Italian mint.
Obverse: Bust of Victory right, her hair knotted behind.
Obverse: CAESAR DIVI F, Octavian as Neptune, naked, standing to left, foot on globe. Aplustre in right hand, sceptre in left hand.
References: RIC 256. BMC 615. C. 60.
Weight: 3.68g, 20mm
Grade: Scarce, Choice and Extremely Fine
Aplustre (alternate spelling apluster), an ornamental appendage of wood at the ship's stern, usually spreading like a fan and curved like a bird's feather. The apluster is used on ancient coins to symbolize maritime power.
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Octavian - RIC 265a - 29-27 BC.
 Octavian Denarius. 29-27 BC.
Brundisium or Roma mint.
Obverse: Octavian bare head right.
Reverse: IMP - CAESAR, Naval trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, shield, and crossed spears set on prow of galley right.
References: RIC 265a; RSC 119; Sear, Imperators, 419; BMC 625; Cohen 119
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Octavian - RIC 257 - 32-31 BC.
 Octavian, c. 32-31 BC. AR Denarius.
Obverse: Bare head of Octavian (Augustus) within linear circle
Reverse: Octavian as Mercury seated on cloak thrown over rocks, petasos slung on back, playing lyre with both hands.
Probable Rome mint.
References: Sear Imp. 401; RIC 257.
Weight: 3.76g, 18mm.
Grade: Very Fine, cabinet toned.
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Octavian - RIC 264 - 29-27 BC.
 Octavian/Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D. - AR Denarius.
Obverse: No legend - Victory standing right on galley prow, holding wreath and palm.
Reverse: No legend - Octavian riding quadriga right, holding branch.
Exergue: IMP CAESAR
c.29-27 (Italy)
References: RIC 264, BMC 617
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Octavian - RIC 253 - 32-39 BC.
 Octavian AR Denarius - CAESAR DIVI F
Uncertain Italian mint, 32-29 BC.
Obverse: Diademed bust of Venus right, cornucopia behind & branch before.
Reverse: CAESAR - DIVI F, Octavian in military dress advancing right with spear over shoulder.
References: RIC 253, RSC 72.
Weight: 3.8 grammes, 20mm
Grade: Extremely Fine.