Octavian Commemorates the Victory at Philippi

CNG 90, Lot: 1417. Estimate $500. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30-summer 29 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.73 g, 2h). Italian (Rome?) mint. Head of youthful Mars right, wearing slight beard and crested Corinthian helmet; IMP below / CAESAR around upper rim of circular shield, the central boss ornamented with a star, over crossed sword and spear. CRI 428; RIC I 274; RSC 44. Good VF, toned, some deposits.

With this issue there was a dramatic decline in the output of coinage in Italy until the constitutional settlement in January of 27 BC. Over the three year period, between the autumn of 32 BC and the summer of 29 BC, Octavian had met the expenses of the Actian campaign, the conquest of Egypt, and the settlement of the legionary veterans. Octavian was now recognized as the sole authority.