Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius (Subaeratus, 20 mm, 3.33 g, 6 h), a contemporary plated imitation of an issue from an uncertain mint in Spain. Irregular mint, after 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS Head of Augustus to left, wearing oak-wreath. Rev. [DIVVS] IVLIVS Sidus Iulium: eight-rayed comet with tail upward. Cf. BMC 328, Cohen 99 and RIC 38b (for prototype). Beautifully toned and very attractive. Light scratches and the reverse struck slightly off center, 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.