432, Lot: 272. Estimate $200. Sold for $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. April-July 43 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.92 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Octavian in Cisalpine Gaul. Bare head right; C. CAESAR upward to left, IMP downward to right / Equestrian statue of Octavian left, his right hand raised; S • C in exergue. Crawford 490/1; CRI 131; Sydenham 1318; RSC 246 (Augustus); RBW –. Near VF, toned, light porosity, obverse die break. The first appearance of Octavian’s portrait.

From the Andrew McCabe Collection.

This issue was struck with badly made dies that broke early; the break on the obverse of this coin is seen on other examples. Apart from the javelin through the head, this piece has unusually nice surfaces and old toning. The type is much scarcer than most collectors appreciate. [Andrew McCabe]