Augustus, 27 BC - 14 CE. Cistophorus circa 25 BC, Ephesus. IMP - CAE - SAR Bare head right / AVGVSTVS Capricorn right, head turned back to left, cornucopia on its back; all within wreath. 11,97g. Cohen 16; RIC 477; Sutherland Group V. Good extremely fine. Provenance: Künker 243 (21 November 2013), 4751. Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. The Capricorn is one of the most recurrent motifs in Augustan coinage, traditionally understood as Augustus’ zodiac sign. Born on 23 September 63 BC, Augustus was therefore conceived under the sign of Capricorn. Some scholars have instead suggested that the Capricorn may have referred to the beginning of his principate in January 27 BC. However, coins associating Octavian with the Capricorn are known from before 27 BC, making this interpretation less convincing. On this coin, the Capricorn is paired with a cornucopia, symbolizing the prosperity and abundance restored after decades of devastating civil wars. This remarkable coin evokes Augustus’ personal destiny while simultaneously presenting his rise to power as the dawn of a new era of peace, stability, and prosperity for Rome.