Octavian’s victory at Actium and the subsequent annexation of Egypt marked a turning point in Roman history, as the Ptolemaic Kingdom—the last great Hellenistic state—was absorbed into the Roman Empire. The coin commemorating this event symbolizes the defeat of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, whose deaths ended Ptolemaic rule. By featuring a crocodile, an emblem of Egypt, and a succinct legend, the coin announces the transformation of Egypt into a Roman province and highlights the strategic importance of this conquest for Octavian’s rise to power.

The annexation of Egypt following the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the fall of Alexandria in 30 BC underscored Octavian’s supremacy. Despite his apparent disdain for Egypt, Octavian recognized its immense wealth and critical grain supply, which secured Rome’s food provisions and enriched his own coffers. This denarius not only celebrates Egypt’s conquest but also represents Octavian’s consolidation of power, as the wealth of Egypt became his personal property rather than belonging to the Roman state. The coin’s design, featuring the Nile crocodile, subtly reinforces Rome’s dominance over a land of great historical and cultural significance.

Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic ruler, played a pivotal role in the political dynamics of the late Republic. Renowned for her political acumen rather than beauty, she allied herself with Julius Caesar and later Marc Antony to secure her dynasty. However, her reliance on Antony proved fatal when he was defeated at Actium, leading to her ultimate downfall. Antony’s reliance on Cleopatra’s support during his conflict with Octavian only deepened her entanglement in the civil war. The coin commemorates this dramatic shift in power, symbolizing the end of Egypt’s independence and its integration into Roman dominance under Octavian.

The historical and symbolic importance of this coin extends beyond its propagandistic message. It reflects Octavian’s personal triumph and the critical role Egypt played in his rise to power. Egypt’s annexation not only enriched Octavian but also secured Rome’s growing population with a stable grain supply. This denarius, therefore, represents both a monumental historical moment and a deeply personal achievement for Octavian. As the sole survivor of the civil wars, he claimed Egypt not merely for Rome but for himself, underscoring his unparalleled authority and heralding the dawn of the Roman Empire under his rule.

Octavian 32 – 27 and as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD. Brundisium and Roma Denarius circa 29-27, AR 21 mm, 3.94 g. CAESAR – COS·VI Bare head r.; behind, lituus. Rev. AEGVPTO / CAPTA Crocodile advancing r. C 2. BMC 650. RIC 275a. Sear Imperators 430. CBN 905 (Ephesus).

Ex Tkalec 9.05.2011, 134 (cover piece); Ex NGSA 7, 2012, 323 and Kúnker 270, 8549 sales.