This type is the first appearance of Octavian's portrait on a coin - a portrait which would come to dominate the obverses of Roman coins for decades to come. Interestingly, this portrait is a little different than most Octavian/Augustus portraits, not just because of the younger appearance but also because of one minor detail you can see on the chin: the beard. Unlike his later clean-shaven portraits, Octavian retains his beard mourning the assassination of Julius Caesar here, but as this type often comes worn you rarely get that detail which makes this coin particularly special. The reverse likely represents the statue awarded to Octavian after his victory at Mutina, where Octavian arose as an equal to Antony.
Roman Imperatorial period AR Denarius(3.86g, 18mm), C Caesar Octavianus, mint with Octavian in Cisalpine Gaul, Spring-Summer 43 BC. Bare head of Octavian right, bearded; C·CAESAR·IMP around; border of dots / Equestrian statue of Octavian galloping left, his right hand extended; SC in exergue. Sear HCRI 131; Crawford 490/1; Sydenham 1318
Ex Herakles Numismatics, 27 October 2020, ex Harlan J Berk Buy or Bid sale #61, 20 March 1990, lot 305
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