RPC I 2213 Octavian

Ruler:  Octavian, ruling as Augustus between 27 BC-AD 14

Denomination: Cistophorus

Obverse:  IMP·CAESAR; bare head of Augustus, right; 

Reverse:  AVGVSTVS; capricorn, right, with cornucopia; all in laurel wreath

Reference: RPC I 2213

Mint:  Ephesus struck in 25/20 BC 

Provenance: ex dr Victor Vishnevsky collection = ex Lanz, Auktion 38, 1986, Lot 572

Notes: This coin is a direct descendent of the regal and then provincial coinage of cistophori produced by the kings of Pergamon and the governors of Roman Asia. The local population was used to silver coins in such weight and was greatly enamored with them - they continued in use until the 3rd century AD. The vast majority of those issued under Augustus were re-minted as tetradrachms of Hadrian as can be seen by the traces of overstriking found on so many of them.

The significance of the constellation Capricorn to Augustus is subject to debate, with some ancient sources reporting that it was his birth sign and others relating that he was conceived under the sign - the latter tying in with his official birthday on 23rd-24th September. Although we now view conception and birth as two separate events, the Romans viewed conception through to birth as a continuous process.

Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits Capricorn from late December to late January, marking midwinter and the shortest day of the year. For this reason, often it was considered a hostile sign but Augustus chose to interpret it positively since it had governed two major events in his life - the granting of imperium to him by the Senate in January 43 BC, and the acceptance of the title Augustus on 16 January 27 BC.

The capricorn is represented as a goat with a fish tail, and is often thought to be a representation of Pan escaping an attack by the monster Typhon. Having jumped into the Nile, the half of Pan's body which was submerged was transformed into a fish. An alternative interpretation is that the goat is Amalthea, who suckled the infant Zeus after Rhea rescued him from being devoured by his father Cronus. The broken horn of Amalthea transformed into the cornucopiae, which on the present example is carried on the back of the capricorn. It is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and here accompanies the corona civica, awarded to Romans who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy, but in the case of Augustus for having saved the entire Roman citizenry from the horrors of further civil war.

In 27 BC, Augustus had declared Ephesus capital of Asia Minor, promoting the city above the former capital Pergamum. The decision to use such striking imagery alongside his birth sign for issues minted in the new capital reinforced Augustus as the head of the new imperial regime.

Collezione : 14 Roman Cistophori