minted somewhere in Italy
This silver coin was minted somewhere in Italy by Octavian (later known as the emperor Augustus) around 32 to 29 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.
The reverse depicts a naked male figure, identified as Mercury, the god of travel, trade and commerce. He is seated on a cloak on a rock, his hat slung behind, and both hands holding a lyre. The design probably alludes to the restoration of commerce under Octavian.
The legend 'CAESAR' to the left and 'DIVI F' to the right, translate as 'Caesar, son of a god'. After Octavian was adopted by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, in 44 BC, he could use the name Caesar. Julius Caesar was deified shortly after his death in 42 BC, making Octavian the son of a god.
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