Ugly Object of the Month — January 2021 – The Kelsey Blog

Ugly Object of the Month — January 2021

By Caroline Roberts, Conservator

Felicem annum novum, Ugly Object fans! Today I learned that, for those who observe the Julian calendar, 2020 AIN’T OVER! These folks will celebrate New Year’s Eve next week, on January 13. This interesting (and new to me) fact provided the perfect inspiration for our Ugly selection this month: an unfortunate-looking bronze coin of Julius Caesar and his protégé Octavian. 

Julius and Octavian are shown back-to-back on the obverse of this coin, which our records report was minted under Octavian’s authority in Vienna around 40 BCE. The coin has some whacky corrosion on it: a thick black layer that could be a copper sulfide product, as well as a pale blue layer that makes both the emperors and the ship on the reverse look downright ghostly. The coin is heavily worn but some details remain visible — like the galley’s multistory arched deck structure. 

This object looks like it has seen better days, but I love it for the fact that it has weathered storms and come out the other side. With that, I wish everyone good fortune as we sail into 2021. And don’t forget to cast your vote for the Ugliest Object of 2020! Details coming soon …

Copper alloy as circa 40 BCE, minted in Vienna. The obverse shows Octavian (left) and Julius Caesar (right) with “IMP [CAESAR DIVI F] DIVI IVLI.” The reverse shows a galley prow. Diameter 3.1 cm, weight 17.79 g. KM 1991.2.972.

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