Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius (Silver, 21 mm, 3.46 g, 5 h), uncertain mint in Spain (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19/8 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS Head of Augustus to left, wearing oak wreath. Rev. DIV[V]S • IVLIVS Sidus Iulium: eight-rayed comet with tail upward. BMC 326. Cohen 97. RIC 37b. Beautifully toned very well centered. Slightly rough and with a banker's mark on the obverse and a scrape on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.



The 'star' on the reverse of this piece is the Sidus Iulium, a comet that appeared during the festivities held by Octavian in honor of Venus Genetrix on 20-23 July 44 BC, and was subsequently connected to Caesar's deification.