Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 799. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Monday, 13 January 2003.  Sold For $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

OCTAVIAN. 31 BC. AR Denarius (3.11 gm). L. Pinarius Scarpus in Cyrenaica. IMP CAESARI SCARPVS IMP, open hand left / DIVI F AVG PONG, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath. Crawford 546/6; CRI 413; RIC I 534; Sydenham 1282; RSC 500. Toned VF. Very Rare. ($1500)

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 changed his allegiance to Octavian. This issue was struck shortly after the battle of Actium, the open hand signalizing a gesture of friendship toward Octavian.