Rome 31-29 BCE   Obverse TYPE: Bust of Octavian, bareheaded	Reverse TYPE: Venus Genetrix, full, holding arms of Ares LEGEND: CAESAR DIVI F

Octavian exploited the mythological genealogy linking the Julian family to Venus through Aeneas and to Mars through Romulus (whose mother was raped by Mars). Note that Venus and Mars were linked already in mythology as lovers.

• Notice the sidus Iulium on the shield!
• Venus is Octavian's protectress.