Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD, Denarius

Augustus, denarius, AR, 27 BC–AD 14, struck 2 BC–AD 4 at Lugdunum; 3.77 g; 19 mm. Obverse legend CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE surrounding the laureate head of Augustus right. Reverse legend C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT; Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing facing, each togate, each resting a hand on a round shield and spear; simpulum and lituus in the fields. Struck AR denarius of the Lugdunum dynastic series, conforming to the Augustan standard. Cited as RIC I² 207; BMCRE 519; RSC 43; RCV 1597.

This issue advertises Augustus’ succession plan by naming his grandsons Gaius and Lucius as consuls-designate and principes iuventutis, while the simpulum and lituus indicate their priestly offices. Produced at Lugdunum between 2 BC and AD 4, the series promotes dynastic continuity within republican magistracies. The deaths of Lucius (AD 2) and Gaius (AD 4) nullified this strategy and led to the adoption and elevation of Tiberius, shaping the subsequent Julio-Claudian succession.