Obverse:
Bare head bust of Augustus right. Text around
CAESAR AVGVSTVS.
Reverse:
Comet of eight rays
with tail upward. Text in top field DIVVS.
History:
The comet depicted on the reverse of this
coin is the one which appeared shortly after
the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC.
The comet appeared over the stadium where
games were being held to celebrate Julius
Caesar's victories after his death. His nephew,
Octavian Caesar, declared the comet to be
the soul of Julius Caesar being carried up
to heaven. This inspired an effective campaign
to deify Caesar, and the Roman Senate declared
him a god after a year and a half.
Date:
Caesaraugusta mint, Struck circa 19-18 BC
Diameter:
1.8cm
