Mazzini Plate Coin

Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 678. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $9000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (12.05 g, 12h). Pergamum mint. Struck 27-26 BC. IMP • CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, head left, bearing cornucopia on back; all within laurel wreath. RIC I 493; Sutherland Group IVb, 134 (O7/R12); cf. RSC 16a var (lituus before); RPC I 2211; cf. BMCRE 699/698 = BMCRR East 289/287; BN 955; Mazzini 16 (this coin). Near EF, wonderful, deep mauve-gray cabinet toning, small obverse flaw behind head, slight die shift on reverse. Bold portrait.

Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 140; Ing. G. Mazzini Collection, 16.

The capricorn represents Octavian’s birth sign and appeared often as a coin type during his reign. Adding the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, to the back of the capricorn symbolizes the prosperity brought about through the efforts of this capable emperor, whose victories are symbolized by the laurel wreath.