Octavian AV Aureus. Uncertain Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Draped bust of Diana Siciliensis to right, her shoulders bare, the hair drawn back and coiled into two rolls on top and back of head; bow and quiver over shoulder / Tetrastyle temple containing a naval and military trophy set on prow; triskeles in pediment, aplustre at roof corners, [IMP•CAESAR] on frieze. RIC I 273; CRI 418; Calicó 206; BMCRE 643 = BMCRR Rome 4355; BN 91; Biaggi 105.
NGC graded VF 5/5 - 3/5, banker's mark (#6156281-004). Very Rare.
Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 257, 10 October 2014, lot 8854;
Ex Gemini, LLC, Auction X, 13 January 2013, lot 520;
Ex Randy Haviland Collection;
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 52, 7 October 2009, lot 910.
The reverse type of this rare aureus celebrates the great naval victory of 36 BC over Sextus Pompey at the Battle of Naulochus off Sicily. Following the battle, which eliminated the threat posed by Sextus Pompey who was occupying the province of Sicily, a shrine to Diana Siciliensis was erected at Naulochus, which is here referenced by the Sicilian triskeles shown in the pediment of the temple, and by the presence of Diana as the obverse type.
Price realized | 8'500 GBP |
Starting price | 4'500 GBP |
Estimate | 7'500 GBP |