The Triumvirs. Octavian and Divus Julius Caesar. 38 BC. Æ Sestertius (or Dupondius?) (30.5mm, 13.42 g, 2h). Southern Italian or Gallic mint. DIVI・F CAESAR, bare head of Octavian right / DIVOS IVLIVS, wreathed head of Divus Julius Caesar right. Crawford 535/1; CRI 308; RPC I 620. Dark green patina, a few adjustment marks. Near EF.
The Octavian / Divus Julius Caesar bronzes come at two weight standards, about 18 grams (two-thirds ounce) with round and level flans and lifelike portraits, and at about 10-14 grams with less regular flans and less refined portraits. Certainly of different mintage, the lighter coins are sometimes called imitative. However, the weights, sizes, and fabrics are reasonably consistent within this group. More likely they were semi-official local issues from southern Gaul, perhaps a civic response to the need for large bronze coinage in one or other city in Provence.
