The Roman Republic
Imperatorial Issues
C. Caesar Octavianus and Julius Caesar. Aureus, Gallia Transalpina and Cisalpina 43, AV 8.11 g. C·CAESAR·COS·PONT·AVG Bare and bearded head of Octavian r. Rev. C·CAESAR·DICT· PERP·PONT·MAX Laureate head of Julius Caesar r. Babelon Julia 64. C 2. Bahrfeldt 28 and pl. V, 3 (these dies). Sydenham 1321. Sear Imperators 132. Kent-Hirmer pl. 33, 116. Calicó 52. RBW 1714. Crawford 490/2.
Extremely rare and in unusually fine condition for this difficult issue. Two very attractive
portraits of fine style, minor areas of weakness and slightly off-centre on reverse,
otherwise about extremely fine / good very fine
Ex Vinchon 23 April 1976, 209 and NGSA 4, 2006, 142 sales.

The set stopper for a portrait set of the twelve Caesars in gold. Photos don’t do this coin justice. The coin is off center but all the right details are on the coin and really well defined. The portraits of Octavian and Julius Caesar are both full and stylistically engraved. Really a neat example of an incredibly difficult issue. MSG. The rise of Octavian from inheritor of the estate of Julius Caesar to political powerhouse can be described as nothing short of miraculous. In only a single year this virtual unknown had changed the landscape of Roman politics with bravado surely learned from his deceased uncle and adoptive father. When Octavian had been recalled to Rome after Caesar's assassination he had only two things going for him. He had the bulk of the wealth of Caesar assigned to him and he had Caesar's name. Neither of these facts would be of particular use without the brilliant maneuverings of this teenage prodigy. Between the time of his return to Rome in 44 BC and the minting of this aureus, Octavian had accomplished much. He arrived at a city in total chaos after the murder of Caesar. The conspirators had failed to have a plan for government following the demise of Caesar and that left the supporters and opponents in a rapid battle for supremacy. Marcus Junius Brutus and Cassius had fled Rome in fear for their lives. Decimus Brutus had been sent north to raise troops to stabilize the empire. Marc Antony had laid siege to Mutina where Decimus Brutus was holed up, and the Roman Senate was left wondering what would be the end result of the madness that had swept Rome.