CNG 90, Lot: 1411. Estimate $1000. Sold for $2100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.57 g, 1h). Cyrene mint; L. Pinarius Scarpus, moneyer. Open right hand left / Victory standing right on globe, holding palm frond and wreath. Crawford 546/6; CRI 413; Sydenham 1282; RIC I 534; RSC 500a. VF, toned, some porosity. Very rare.

L. Pinarius Scarpus had been appointed by Antony to command his four legions in Cyrenaica against Octavian's African army which was under the command of Cornelius Gallus. After learning of Antony's defeat at Actium, Scarpus transferred his allegiance to Octavian. This issue was struck shortly after the battle of Actium, the open hand signaling a gesture of friendship toward Octavian.