87
3100
Augustus. Silver Denarius (3.87 g), 27 BC-AD 14.
Uncertain mint in
the East, ca. 27 BC or a little later. Laureate head of Augustus right.
Re-
verse:
AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, cornucopiae on its back, holding
rudder and globe. RIC 541 (same obv. die); BMC 664 (same obv. die);
RSC 23a. A superb portrait struck in high relief. Lightly toned.
Extreme-
ly Fine.
Although there is a problem of chronology that has not been clear-
ly sorted, Augustus advertised his birth sign as Capricorn. The capri-
corn was a half terrestrial, half marine being, and played a promi-
nent role in Augustan propaganda, seen on several coin types
as well as in other media. Here the capricorn with globe seems to
signify Augustus’ power over land and sea. The rudder and cor-
nucopiae are terrestrial attributes of the goddess Bona Fortuna, re-
minding us of Augustus’ role in bringing peace and good fortune
to the Empire after the devastating civil wars of the 40s and 30s BC.
For an enlightening discussion of Augustus’ horoscope and it’s use in
imperial propaganda, see T. Barton, “Augustus and Capricorn: Astro-
logical Polyvalency and Imperial Rhetoric,” JRS 85, 1995, pp. 31-51.
Estimated Value.................................................................. $5,000 - 6,000
Ex NAC 40 (16 May 2007), 629.
