★ Rare Augustus denarius from Caesaraugusta mint. Comet ★
Roman Empire - Augustus 27 BC–14 AD Caesaraugusta mint. Silver Denarius (3.28 g • 18 mm) 19-18 BC.
Head right wearing oak wreath CAESAR AVGVSTVS. /
Eight rayed comet with tail upwards DIVVS-IVLIVS to left and right.
RIC 37; Coh. 98. Fine, porous
Aside from the Star of Bethlehem, the Great Comet of 44 BC, also known as the Sidum Julium or Julian Star, is the most famous astronomical event of antiquity. It appeared about four months after Caesar's assassination on March 15, 44 BC and was immediately seized upon by his heir Octavian as proof of his adoptive father's divinity. The comet waxed so bright it could be seen in the daytime, a highly unusual event in ancient or modern times. This proved a powerful inducement to force a reluctant Senate to deify Caesar and thus made Octavian "the son of a god" (Divi Filius). The comet became a prominent symbol on coins and statues issued by Augustus, including this issue of 19-18 BC.