Octavian AR Denarius “AEGVPT CAPTA”, Crocodile, c. 28 BC — NGC VF

1. General specifications

State: Roman Republic / Imperatorial coinage
Ruler (full official name): Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (after 27 BC: Imperator Caesar Augustus)
Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR (silver)
Weight: 3.39 g
Diameter: approx. 17–18 mm
Date: c. 28 BC
Mint: likely a travelling military mint of Octavian

Catalogue references:

• RIC I² 275 (R) — rarity rating R (rare type in RIC)

• Crawford 535/1

• BMCRE 651–652

NGC grade: VF

• Strike: 4/5

• Surface: 1/5
  NGC certification number: 6156902-005

Patina: Natural grey silver patina with typical ancient soil toning; lightly granular surfaces with circulation marks consistent with the type.

2. Obverse

Laureate bust of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus right.
Legend (fragmentary, typical for the type): CAESAR.

3. Reverse

Egyptian crocodile right, symbolizing the subjugation of Egypt after the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII.
Legend: AEGVPTO above and CAPTA below.

4. Historical background

This issue was struck between 30–27 BC to commemorate Octavian’s conquest of Egypt — the decisive victory that ended the Hellenistic world and provided the wealth necessary for his rise to supreme power.

The annexation of Egypt gave Octavian unprecedented financial resources, enabling:
— payment of veterans,
— political reforms,
— stabilization of Roman administration,
— and, ultimately, the granting of the title Augustus in 27 BC, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

The AEGVPTO CAPTA series stands as one of the most politically potent issues of the late Republic.

5. Rarity

According to RIC, the type is classified as R (Rare).
Examples with a legible crocodile and readable portions of the legend are notably scarce due to typical striking and surface issues.
This NGC-graded VF specimen is significantly above average for the type.