Lot 3378

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Lyons mint, issued 2 B.C. - A.D. 4 and later, (3.824 grams), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right, CAESAR AVGVS[TVS D]IVI F PATER PATRIAE around, rev. Caius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, shields and spears between them, above on left simpulum to right, and on the right a lituus to left, in exergue C L CAESARE[S], around [AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC] IVVENT, (S.1597, RIC 207, C.43, BMC 533). Off centred on reverse, bright with banker's mark on cheek, otherwise nearly very fine.

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.