Octavian, 44-27 BC. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.53 g, 12 h), uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?), 28. CAESAR - COS VI Bare head ot Octavian to right; behind, lituus. Rev. AEGVPTO - CAPTA Nile crocodile standing right with open jaws. Babelon (Julia) 148. BMC 650 (Rome). Cohen 2. CRI 430. RIC 275a (Rome). Fully lustrous and undoubtedly among the finest known. A spectacular example of this intriguing issue, with mirror-like surfaces and an exceptionally beautiful rendering of the Nile crocodile on the reverse. A hint of die rust on the obverse and struck very slightly off center, otherwise, virtually as struck.



This magnificent denarius commemorates Octavian’s conquest of Egypt following the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Although Antony continued to resist Octavian's advance within Egypt, Alexandria ultimately fell in the summer of 30 BC, leading to the suicides of both the former triumvir and Cleopatra. With Egypt’s immense agricultural wealth and the legendary Ptolemaic treasury now in his possession, Octavian claimed the crown jewel of his conquests, though he held little affection for the country. When asked if he wished to view the tomb of the Ptolemaic kings after visiting Alexander the Great's sarcophagus, Octavian reportedly quipped that he had come to see a king, not corpses. Despite his apparent disdain, Octavian commemorated Egypt's capture on his coins, including this remarkable denarius, which features the image of Egypt's fiercest predator, the Nile crocodile, on its reverse - a wild beast now subdued by Roman might.