ROMAN. Octavian. The Triumvirs. Spring to early summer 36 BC. Silver Denarius (3.81g). Southern or central Italian mint. Bare head right, with slight beard / Tetrastyle temple of Divus Julius: statue of Julius Caesar as augur standing within, DIVO IVL on architrave, star within pediment, figures along roof line; lighted altar to left. Crawford 540/2; CRI 315; Sydenham 1338; RSC 90; RBW 1829. Obverse slightly off-centre, otherwise lightly toned with hints of golden hues. gVF. This denarius was struck as Octavian fought to tighten his grip on Rome, turning the memory of Julius Caesar into his strongest ally. The temple of Divus Julius, crowned with the star of the deified dictator and a burning altar beside it, publicly links Octavian's cause with divine favour. In this small silver piece, Romans were gently reminded that supporting Octavian meant honouring the godlike Julius, and resisting him meant standing against Caesar himself. (P)

Estimate: AUD 1000