Roman Imperial: Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). AR cistophorus (26mm, 12.00 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, brushed....

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The Auspicious Power of Capricorn

Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). AR cistophorus (26mm, 12.00 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, brushed. Pergamum(?), 27-26 BC. IMP•CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right / AVGVSTVS, Capricorn flying right, head reverted, bearing cornucopia on back; all within laurel wreath. RIC I 493. RPC I 2211. Mirror-like dies with impressively intricate detail.

After visiting the astrologer Theogenes at Apollonia around 45/44 BC with his friend Agrippa, Augustus (then Octavian) became more assured of his destined greatness. Suetonius, the ancient Roman historian, mentions that Augustus, inspired by the astrological significance of his birth under the sign of Capricorn, issued a silver coin bearing this sign. This coinage symbolically represented not only Augustus's belief in the protective and auspicious power of Capricorn but also served as a potent emblem of his destined leadership and the commencement of a new era of Roman rule under his auspices.

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