Reproduction Denarius of Augustus - Comet

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 (Halley's comet) 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: Caesar Augusta mint, Struck circa 19-18 BC

Diameter: 1.8cm