Two Augustan Capricorns

CNG 84, Lot: 887. Estimate $300. Sold for $410. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CYPRUS, Uncertain. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Time of Augustus(?), 27 BC-AD 14. Æ (18mm, 2.84 g, 9h). Capricorn right; above, seven-pointed star / Scorpion; six-pointed star to right. Amandry, Julio-Claudien I, Group 6; RPC I 3916 and Suppl. 3916 note (Cyprus); Parks 7; BMC 4 (Commagene). VF, brown patina.

Although the time this issue was struck is uncertain, the presence of the capricorn suggests a striking under Augustus. This type was previously attributed to Commagene (and still is by a small minority), but finds on the island and the housing of 24 specimens in the Nicosia Museum point to a Cypriot origin.