Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). AR denarius (20mm, 3.60 gm, 7h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 3/5. Spanish mint (Caesaraugusta?), 19-18 BC. CAESAR-AVGVSTVS, head of Augustus left, wreathed with oak / DIVVS-IVLIVS, eight-rayed comet with tail upwards. RIC I 37b. Darkly toned peripherals and warm amber accents create a dynamic field for the epic theme of the reverse. A comet that appeared in summer 44 BC was held to signal Julius Caesar's ascension to the heavens, and proved quite useful in Octavian's effort to get the Senate to deify his adoptive father. The memory of Caesar's deification was revived in connection with Augustus' proposal to hold the Saecular Games in 17 BC, and the "Julian star" is featured on his coinage in the years leading up to the event.

HID09801242017

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