Roman Imperatorial "Octavian" NGC Ch VF 5x2
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OCTAVIAN (later Augustus, 27 BC–AD 14). AV Aureus (7.93 gms). Uncertain Mint in Italy, possibly Rome, 30–29 BC. NGC Choice VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5.
One of only 9 examples known, with just 2 graded higher.
CRI 418; RIC 273; Calicó 206.
A supremely evocative and exceptionally rare aureus, struck in the crucial years immediately following the Battle of Actium (31 BC) and Octavian’s decisive defeat of Antony and Cleopatra. With only nine examples recorded and just two graded higher by NGC, this piece occupies an elite tier within the numismatic market. Issued during the narrow window in which Octavian, still styled simply Imperator Caesar, stood on the threshold of becoming Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, it embodies both the rarity and the historical drama that define true trophy coins.
The obverse features the draped bust of Diana, goddess of the hunt and protector of the fleet, with bow and quiver over her shoulders. This was no idle choice: Octavian famously attributed his victory at Actium to Apollo and Diana, whose temple overlooked the battlefield. In placing Diana on his coinage, Octavian invoked divine sanction for his triumph and cast himself as the chosen instrument of Rome’s gods.
The reverse depicts a grand tetrastyle temple containing a combined naval and military trophy set upon the prow of a ship, with a triskelis in the pediment and aplustra at the corners. The architectural detail is extraordinary, conveying Rome’s architectural majesty while simultaneously celebrating Octavian’s dual mastery of land and sea. The legend IMP CAESAR emblazoned across the frieze announced Octavian as “Imperator Caesar,” both a military commander and heir to the deified Julius Caesar.
This type was struck in the immediate aftermath of Actium and before the Senate bestowed upon Octavian the honorific title of “Augustus” in 27 BC. In this transitional period, coinage such as the present aureus served as potent instruments of propaganda, commemorating his victory over Antony and Cleopatra while preparing the Roman world to accept the birth of a new political order.
The present example, struck on a broad flan of rich golden yellow, exhibits bold detail and full architectural clarity. While light marks are present, as noted, the 5/5 strike quality underscores its exceptional production and survival. Examples of this type are exceedingly rare on the market, particularly in such sharply executed relief.
Historical SignificanceThis aureus encapsulates one of the most dramatic turning points in Roman history. In 30–29 BC, Octavian returned to Italy as the unrivaled master of the Mediterranean world. The Republic was in name only; the Republic’s institutions, hollowed by decades of civil war, were being re-forged into a system centered on one man. Within two years, Octavian would become “Augustus,” inaugurating the Principate and laying the foundations of an empire that endured for nearly five centuries.
The choice of imagery—Diana, divine protector; the naval temple, symbol of victory; the title “Imperator Caesar,” proclaiming his military and dynastic legitimacy—was calculated to present Octavian as savior, conqueror, and divinely ordained ruler. This aureus thus serves as both a celebration of triumph and a manifesto for the new Augustan age.
Collector’s Perspective
A rare and desirable type, this aureus offers not only the lustrous beauty of Roman gold but also extraordinary historical weight. Struck in the crucible of civil war’s end and empire’s beginning, it is a coin that bridges two worlds: the collapsing Republic and the dawn of the Roman Empire. For the advanced collector, it represents a trophy of both artistry and history—an irreplaceable artifact from the moment Octavian became Augustus.x/RV
One of only 9 examples known, with just 2 graded higher.
CRI 418; RIC 273; Calicó 206.
A supremely evocative and exceptionally rare aureus, struck in the crucial years immediately following the Battle of Actium (31 BC) and Octavian’s decisive defeat of Antony and Cleopatra. With only nine examples recorded and just two graded higher by NGC, this piece occupies an elite tier within the numismatic market. Issued during the narrow window in which Octavian, still styled simply Imperator Caesar, stood on the threshold of becoming Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, it embodies both the rarity and the historical drama that define true trophy coins.
The obverse features the draped bust of Diana, goddess of the hunt and protector of the fleet, with bow and quiver over her shoulders. This was no idle choice: Octavian famously attributed his victory at Actium to Apollo and Diana, whose temple overlooked the battlefield. In placing Diana on his coinage, Octavian invoked divine sanction for his triumph and cast himself as the chosen instrument of Rome’s gods.
The reverse depicts a grand tetrastyle temple containing a combined naval and military trophy set upon the prow of a ship, with a triskelis in the pediment and aplustra at the corners. The architectural detail is extraordinary, conveying Rome’s architectural majesty while simultaneously celebrating Octavian’s dual mastery of land and sea. The legend IMP CAESAR emblazoned across the frieze announced Octavian as “Imperator Caesar,” both a military commander and heir to the deified Julius Caesar.
This type was struck in the immediate aftermath of Actium and before the Senate bestowed upon Octavian the honorific title of “Augustus” in 27 BC. In this transitional period, coinage such as the present aureus served as potent instruments of propaganda, commemorating his victory over Antony and Cleopatra while preparing the Roman world to accept the birth of a new political order.
The present example, struck on a broad flan of rich golden yellow, exhibits bold detail and full architectural clarity. While light marks are present, as noted, the 5/5 strike quality underscores its exceptional production and survival. Examples of this type are exceedingly rare on the market, particularly in such sharply executed relief.
Historical SignificanceThis aureus encapsulates one of the most dramatic turning points in Roman history. In 30–29 BC, Octavian returned to Italy as the unrivaled master of the Mediterranean world. The Republic was in name only; the Republic’s institutions, hollowed by decades of civil war, were being re-forged into a system centered on one man. Within two years, Octavian would become “Augustus,” inaugurating the Principate and laying the foundations of an empire that endured for nearly five centuries.
The choice of imagery—Diana, divine protector; the naval temple, symbol of victory; the title “Imperator Caesar,” proclaiming his military and dynastic legitimacy—was calculated to present Octavian as savior, conqueror, and divinely ordained ruler. This aureus thus serves as both a celebration of triumph and a manifesto for the new Augustan age.
Collector’s Perspective
A rare and desirable type, this aureus offers not only the lustrous beauty of Roman gold but also extraordinary historical weight. Struck in the crucible of civil war’s end and empire’s beginning, it is a coin that bridges two worlds: the collapsing Republic and the dawn of the Roman Empire. For the advanced collector, it represents a trophy of both artistry and history—an irreplaceable artifact from the moment Octavian became Augustus.x/RV
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