Denarius (Coin) Portraying Emperor Augustus

SilverRoman; minted in Lugdunum (now Lyon, France)/2 BCE-4 CE

Description

The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the emperor Augustus, facing right. On the back (reverse), Caius Caesar and Lucius Caesar (born to Marcus Agrippa and Julia the Edler) are standing, each resting a hand on a shield. Two spears, a lituus (curved augural staff) and a simpulum (ladle with long handle) are between them. The brothers were adopted by Augustus (their grandfather) as joint-heirs but died at relatively young ages (21 and 18, respectively) before they could rule. This coin commemorates their appointments as consul designatus.

Provenance

Mrs. William Nelson (Helen T.) Pelouze (1866-1953), Chicago; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1923.

Dimensions

Diam.: 2 cm (13/16 in.)

Source

The Art Institute of Chicago

Movement / Period

roman (ancient, style or period)

Accession No

9954

Official Citations

[The Art Institute of Chicago Official Record][Full Resolution Image]

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Roman; minted in Lugdunum (now Lyon, France)

roman (ancient, style or period) • Italy • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries

Continuous Discovery