Roman Empire, Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14, Aureus 15-13 BC, Lugdunum, NGC graded

Here we have the issue dated to the 10th imperial salutation (IMP X), between 15 and 13 BC, to be compared with the existence of almost identical types for the 12th imperial salutation (IMP XII, RIC I² Augustus 181, 11-10 BC). These issues are part of an iconographic group celebrating these salutations along with two other types, the sacrificial bull and the Apollo Actian.

They show the importance of Sicily to Rome, which was Rome's first province and then became a power position for the Second Triumvirate.

This Diana of Sicily celebrates the victory of Nauloque in 36 BC, against the troops of Sextus Pompeius, and her association with her brother Apollo Actian, celebrating Octavian's victory over Mark Antony at Actium in 31 BC, is there to put these victories and their importance for Augustus on the same level, and adds to the political iconography of Augustus in the assertion of his power thanks to the intervention of these divinities on his behalf, making his accession to imperial power legitimised by his victories over his enemies.