Lot 3607

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Lyons mint, issued 2 B.C. - A.D. 4 and later, (3.878 grams), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right, CAESAR AVGVSTVS [DIVI F] PATER PATRIAE around, rev. Caius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, shields and spears between them, above on right simpulum to left, and on the left a lituus to right, in exergue [C L CAE]SARE[S], around AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRI[NC IVVENT], (S.1597, RIC 207, RSC 43, BMC 519). Toned, very fine or better.

Ex Stephen Cole September 14, 1991 and previously from Spink Noble Numismatics auction sale 36 (lot 403). In 2 B.C. Augustus received the title 'Pater Patriae', an honour which particularly pleased him (Res Gestae, Divi Augusti 35). The reverse of this coin clearly represents Gaius and Lucius, his adopted sons, as heirs to the throne. They appear wearing the 'toga virilis' and the spears and shields presented to them by the officers. The lituus and simpulum refer to the priesthoods (pontificate and augurate) which Augustus conferred upon them. Despite the death of Lucius in A.D. 2 and Gaius two years later, the reverse type continued to be struck until the end of Augustus' reign.