Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 901. Estimate $250.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

OCTAVIAN. 31-30 BC. AR Denarius (3.84 gm). Italian (Rome?) mint. Winged bust of Victory right / Octavian, as Neptune, standing left, foot set on globe, holding aplustre and sceptre. RIC I 256; CRI 409; RSC 60. Toned VF, area of light roughness on reverse. ($250)

From the Tony Hardy Collection.

This coin type was part of the large issues of Octavian in celebration of his victory over Antony at Actium. The reverse type on this particular issue is especially notable: first, it is a direct reference to the naval battle itself, and second, it is the first instance of Octavian appearing as a deity, foreshadowing his active encouragement of the notion of his own divinity.