Octavian with Julius Caesar – Hand-Struck Silver Denarius Replica

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Dual Portrait Octavian with Julius Caesar AR Roman imperatorial denarius is a modern, hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the rare ancient silver denarii issued circa 43 BC, struck at the Cisalpine Gaul mint featuring the dual portraits of Octavian and Julius Caesar. Each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking methods, producing irregular flans, varied relief, and surface character comparable to ancient originals.

Unlike cast or machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, texture, and individuality characteristic of ancient coinage.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• In the summer of 43 BC, following the battle of Mutina, Octavian demanded from the Senate one of the consulships recently left vacant by the deaths of Hirtius and Pansa. When the Senate refused, Octavian marched into Rome and organized consular elections. This issue was struck by Octavian after he became consul on 19 August.
• The death of Caesar brought his heir Octavian into direct opposition to Antony; both presented themselves as Caesar’s political successor. Octavian, as Caesar’s legal heir, could claim not only Caesar’s name but a familial bond and this becomes a common motif in his coinage throughout the Triumviral period.
• He first minted coinage in 43 BC during campaigns in Gaul (RRC 490/1-4). Octavian chose a similar type to that of Antony, a double portrait coin. The similarity in portrait style is designed to closely link the men. The legends too aid in this purpose. The obverse reads C CAESAR COS PONT AVG (Gaius Caesar, Consul, Pontifex, Augur) and the reverse C CAESAR DICT PERP PONT MAX. (Gaius Caesar, Dictator for Life, Pontifex Maximus). Octavian successfully paired his portrait with that of Caesar throughout this period advertising continually the strong links between himself and the deceased dictator, links which could not be surmounted, even by Antony.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– References are found for the aureus type

– The denarius is unpublished in standard references, however it is mentioned in the book “Guide to the Numismatic Collection of the Mint of the United States at Philadelphia, Pa, Issue 91” page 26.

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Dual Portrait Octavian with Julius Caesar AR denarius replica

Denomination represented: AR Denarius

Authority / Mint: Cisalpine, Gaul

Era represented: 43 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: 3.69gr

Dimensions: 18.6mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Bare head of Octavian, right
Legend:
C CAESAR COS PONT AVG

Reverse: Laureate head of Julius Caesar, right
Legend:
C CAESAR DICT PERP PONT MAX

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, and surface are expected.

Availability & Variations

When listed as “Add to Cart,” the coin shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive.

When listed as “Order Now,” the coin will be hand-struck to order. Each newly struck piece will differ slightly in appearance, reflecting the traditional minting process.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

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