159, Lot: 204. Estimate $100. Sold for $303. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Octavian. 30-29 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.95 g). Italian mint. Bare head right / Facade of the Roman Curia with a tetrastyle porch. RIC I 266; CRI 421; RSC 122. Near VF, toned, two drill marks on reverse.

Long thought to be the temple dedicated to the Divus Julius, this edifice can now be securely identified as the Curia Julia, begun by Caesar shortly before his assassination in 44 BC, and officially dedicated by Octavian on 28 August 29 BC.