Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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This silver coin was minted at Lugdunum (Lyons) by the emperor Augustus between 2 BC and 4 AD or possibly a little later. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor Augustus wearing a laurel wreath and facing to the right. The legend 'CAESAR [AVGVSTVS] DIVI F PATER PATRIAE' identifies the emperor and some of his titles.

Augustus received the title 'Pater Patriae' (father of his country) from the Senate in 2 BC. According to Suetonius, writing in the early 2nd century AD, Augustus replied with tears in his eyes, 'I have at last achieved my highest ambition.'

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-585-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.468
• Date: 2 BC - AD 4(+?)
  Minted between 2 BC and 4 AD, or possibly a little later
  
• Material: Silver; slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: CAESAR [AVGVSTVS] DIVI F PATER PATRIAE; laureate head right. Rev.: AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT; C L CAESARES in exergue; Caius and Lucius Caesar standing facing, each resting hand on a shield; behind each shie
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 207
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 18.00 mm; weight 3.60 g; die axis 6.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 207
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who: Augustus (Emperor)
  Augustus (Emperor)
  
• Where: France, Lyons
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Augustus, Roman Empire, minted at Lyons, 2 BC - AD 4(+?)
  
• References:
  • Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus. The Twelve Caesars. Translated by Robert Graves. London: Book Club Associates, 1979, p 80. 
  • I.A. Carradice, 'A Catalogue of Roman Coins in the Collections of the RSM, Edinburgh', No. 14 
  • Sutherland, C.H.V. The Roman Imperial Coinage. From 31 BC to AD 69. Vol. 1, revised ed. London: Spink and Son Ltd, 1984. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: