RIC 256

Moneyer: Octavian, 44-27 BC

Denomination: Denarius

Obverse: Winged bust of Victory to right. 

Reverse:  CAESAR - DIVI•F Octavian, nude but for cloak and parazonium hanging from his side, standing front, head to left, right foot set on large globe, holding aplustre in his right hand and long scepter in his left. 

Reference:  RIC I (2nd ed.) 256

Mint:  uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?), autumn 31-summer 30.

Weight: 

Note: This coin type was part of the large issues of Octavian in celebration of his victory over Antony at Actium. The reverse type on this particular issue is especially notable: first, it is a direct reference to the naval battle itself, and second, it is the first instance of Octavian appearing as a deity, foreshadowing his active encouragement of the notion of his own divinity.

The symbolism on this piece is bold and clear; the bust of Victoria occupies the entire obverse. Normally rendered as only a small figure, and usually on the reverse of Roman coinage, here she is paid high tribute with a full bust of fine style, itself exclaiming victory to all that saw it. The reverse is no less audacious in design. Octavian is portrayed as Neptune himself, bearing a sceptre and aplustre – the ornamental appendage of wood at the ship's stern – that denote authority and maritime power. Octavian stands, foot firmly planted upon a globe, a prerogative previously reserved only for Roma herself on the coinage of the Republic, suggesting at once both Rome's ordained dominion over the world, and that of Octavian himself as the embodiment of Rome's power and auctoritas.

Aplustre:  Ozdobny drewniany dodatek na rufie rzymskiego statku. 

Fonte : https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/aplustre#...

Collezione : 16 Roman Republic