29-27 BC., Octavian (Augustus), unknown Italian mint, Denarius, RIC 271.

Octavian (Augustus), unknown Italian mint, 29-27 BC.
Denarius (18-20 mm / 3,23 g),
Obv.: laureate head of Octavian right.
Rev.: IMP - CAESAR, statue of Octavian on rostral column (with Octavian nude except for Greek-style cloak).
RIC I 271 ; BMC 633 ; C 124 .

The monument depicted on the coin is a statue of Octavian, nude, on a rostral column decorated with prows (rostra) and anchors of enemy ships. The monument was erected in the Forum Romanum to commemorate the naval victory over Sextus Pompeius; a similar column had been erected in the third century for a victory over the Carthaginians. Thus, the column, and by extension the image on the coin, likened the civil war victory to one over a foreign enemy.

After Actium, between 31 and 27 BCE, Octavian had successfully led his followers to a victory in a civil war that had eliminated all rivals to sole power. He could claim that his sovereignty rested on the consent of all. "All" were thus secure as long as the consensus included the support of the legions.