Description
Imperator Caesar Augustus (Augustus), Roman Emperor and founder of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty 27 BC – 14 AD, Silver Denarius (3.75g, 17mm), Lyons mint 9-8 BC. Obverse: Laureate head of Augustus facing to the right, legend surrounds, “DIVI· F ΛVGVSTVS”. Reverse: Gaius Caesar, wearing military attire and holding reins in right hand and sword and shield in left, on horseback leaping to the right, Legionary Aquila between two signa militaria to left, “C CAES” above, “ΛVGVS· F” in exergue. RIC-199; RSC-40; Sear-1596. A very visually appealing piece in hand, struck on an oval flan but with all devices present and nicely toned with a deep grey, a nice portrait, good Very Fine, reverse Very Fine.
The obverse Latin legend reads “Augustus, dīvī fīlius”, with an English translation of “Augustus, son of the Divine”. The reverse Latin legend reads “Gāius Caesar, Augustī fīlius”, with an English translation of “Gaius Caesar, son of Augustus” – this references Augustus’ adoption of Gaius Vipsanius Agrippa as his son, being renamed as Gaius Julius Caesar in 17 BC.