The Roman Empire
Issues related to the Victory in the Battle of Actium
Quinarius, Brundisium or Roma 29-28 BC, AR 1.75 g. CAESAR – IMP VII Bare head of Octavian r. Rev. ASIA – RECEPTA Victory draped standing l. holding wreath and palm branch on cista mystica flanked by two interlaced snakes with heads erect. C 14. BMC 647. Sear Imperators 429. RIC 276. CBN 899.
Old cabinet tone and very fine Ex Triton XI, 2008, Prideaux, 661.

Here Octavian makes an important declaration. He is receiving the provinces of Asia formerly controlled by Antony. This implies the peaceful transfer of rule versus the ”CAPTA” issues as on the next coin. The cista mystica, the common symbol of the eastern mints, is present but with Victory on top. Although there was no one left to oppose him, Octavian clearly needed the eastern provinces to come ”into the fold” without a struggle. A pretty little coin with so much symbolism. MSG.