My first Augustus denarius :)
MKUltra24
Posts: 655 ✭✭✭✭
I’ve been collecting denarii for a couple of years and for most of that time I’ve purposely avoided a denarius of Augustus because I was very particular about what I wanted.
Firstly I wanted a denarius struck on a large flan.
Secondly I wanted a denarius with an anepigraphic portrait of just Augustus without all the “IMP CAESAR TRP COS PP” titles and proclamations all over the obverse.
Lastly I wanted a denarius of Augustus that has an interesting reverse and not something boring like Aequitas standing there holding scales.
Well a couple days ago I won this one and it’s my favorite denarius ever! 
This denarius was minted to celebrate the Battle of Actium and defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Octavian, as Sole Imperator (30-27 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 3.93 gm, 9h). NGC XF 5/5 - 4/5. Italian mint (Brundisium or Rome?), ca. 30-29 BC. Bare head of Octavian right; linear border / IMP-CAESAR, naval and military trophy on prow right, crossed rudder and anchor at base. RIC I 265a.
Comments
What a historic coin - congrats!
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Thanks Bob! Definitely my favorite denarius
Nice. You did good!
Thanks Max
Next up: Tiberius! (or Nerva)
Yay it’s out for delivery today! 😃
That's awesome!
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Love the Roman obverses without legends. Simple. Elegant. Great coin for sure.
Same here! I specifically picked one without all the legends
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I watched the 1934 film "Cleopatra" today where an actor played Octavian.
What film actor would best play him based on his portrait on the coin?
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Wow! Beautiful example!!!!
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Hmm maybe Kirk Douglas?
Thanks Benny! Shame they aren’t more common. You’d imagine an Emperor like Augustus (who minted tons of coins and reigned for a long time) would have more surviving examples.
Like how Gordian III antoninianii are abundant and thus cheap even in Mint State.
This Augustus is the most expensive of all my denarii. xD
Great example! Congrats.
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Very nice coin!!
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Thanks mate!
Anything in particular you like about it?
Thanks TwoKopeiki! Big fan of your Spanish dollar collection myself
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You’ve got an amazing collection of them.
Oh if anyone else wants to share their own Augustus coins please feel free!
Very nice coins!! I am on the hunt myself...
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Awesome. That trophy reverse with the ship's prow is cool. I like the anepigraphic obverse, too.
Very nicely struck, you usually don’t see them struck with such detail
Thanks!
Yeah it’s tough to find them in high grades. Even this one in XF cost more than any of my other denarii.
But I think it’s worth it. I think even in the future ancient Roman coin collectors will find this coin beautiful
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Thanks Marco!
I imagine the trophy & prow are meant to symbolize naval & land forces at the Battle of Actium and represent their victory.
Augustus also had a similar gold aureus minted to go along with it!
The obverse has a simple elegance to it. Congratulations on finding a piece that you love so much!
Thanks Stella!
I love the obverse too! It sends a very strong message.
It says: “I don’t need to tell you who I am with titles & proclamations. You already know who I am just from my portrait. If you don’t then you’re not important enough for me to care”.
It’s a very clear message of confidence in his own position and authority as Emperor.
I love it!
Even if it means I won’t be able to get any new coins for a while lol!