The Actian Victory
The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30-summer 29 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.91 g, 5h). Italian (Rome?) mint. Laureate head of Octavian, as Apollo, right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; IMP CAESAR across field. RIC I 271; CRI 423; BMCRE 633-6 = BMCRR Rome 4349-51; BN 68-71; RSC 124 (Augustus). Near EF, underlying luster. Excellent silver quality.
This issue depicts the column decreed by the Senate in recognition of Octavian’s victory over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. The monument stood on the Palatine Hill, before the temple of Apollo.
