293, Lot: 258. Estimate $300. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (27mm, 10.88 g, 12h). Ephesus mint. Struck circa 25-20 BC. Bare head right / Capricorn right, head left, bearing cornucopia on back; all within laurel wreath. RIC I 480; Sutherland Group VIα; RPC I 2213; RSC 16. VF, porous.

The capricorn represents Augustus’ 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 by the emperor, whose victories are symbolized by the laurel wreath.