The Roman Republic
Imperatorial Issues
Octavianus. Denarius, Gallia Cisalpina and Italy 43, AR 3.72 g. C·CAESAR – IMP Bare head of Octavian r. Rev. Equestrian statue l.; in exergue, S C. Babelon Julia 63. C 246. Sydenham 1318. Sear Imperators 131. Crawford 490/1.
Rare. Old cabinet tone, a banker’s mark on obverse, otherwise very fine
Ex Vecchi 7, 1997, 653; Giessener Munzhandlung 87, 1998, 471 and Künker 124, 2007, 8561 sales.

This is a favourite type coin for me as it is the first appearance of Octavian on a coin. Very often found in low grade, it is nonetheless a very historically important coin. It’s a great piece of history at a low price! Here you see a young Octavian for the first time on the obverse. The reverse shows the equestrian statue that he demanded the senate build for him after putting down the siege at Mutina. It is a brazen display of Octavian’s contempt for the senate. I also love the obverse banker’s marks as you can just picture a merchant looking at this coin and saying ”What is this coin and who is this being portrayed? I better check to see if this is real silver or not….” MSG)