The Roman Empire
Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD
Cistophoric tetradrachm, Pergamum (?) circa 27-26 BC, AR 11.86 g. IMP CAESAR Bare head r.; to r., lituus. Rev. Cornucopiae set on capricorn’s back; below, AVGVSTVS. The whole within wreath. C 16 var. (no lituus ) BMC 698. Sutherland group III, obv. 13 / rev. –. RIC 488. CBN 950. RPC 2208.
Old cabinet tone and good very fine Ex Giessener Munzhandlung 64, 1993, 302 and Gadoury 30 November 2013, 43 sales.
The Capricorn is the zodiac sign of Augustus.
The portraits on cistophoric tetradrachms of Asia minor are, in my opinion, among the best portraits available. Some of these express very unique features. This coin is of a particulary good style, while still staying within the official portrait framework. AMP.