Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 1471. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $260. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

OCTAVIAN and Q. Salvius Rufus. 40 BC. AR Denarius (4.14 gm). Military mint traveling with Octavian in Italy. Bare head right / Winged thunderbolt. Crawford 423/1a; Sear, CRI 300; Sydenham 1326b; RSC 514. Lightly toned, near VF. ($300)

Q. Salvius Rufus was a boyhood friend of Octavian, who under the triumvirate, rose to military prominence. In 42 BC, Octavian made him admiral of his fleet and instructed him to attack Sextus Pompey in Sicily, for which he was given the title Imperator (as shown on this coin). He was also designated to hold the consulship in 39 BC (also shown on this coin). Believing that the political career of Octavian was coming to an end, Salvius entered into secret negotiations with Antony. When Antony and Octavian made peace in Brundisium in the Autumn of 40 BC, Antony revealed Salvius' unfaithfulness, and his death soon followed.