Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD, Denarius

Augustus, Denarius, AR, reign 27 BC–AD 14; struck c. 2 BC–AD 4, Lugdunum; 3.11 g; 19 mm. Obv: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE; laureate head of Augustus right. Rev: C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT; Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each togate, resting hand on a grounded shield with spear behind; above, simpulum and lituus. Struck at Lugdunum during the late Augustan dynastic series; die alignment for the issue typically around 6 h. RIC I (second edition) 207.

This type publicizes Augustus’s succession program by presenting his adopted heirs, Gaius and Lucius (sons of Agrippa and Julia), as principes iuventutis and consuls designate, with priestly instruments highlighting their projected religious roles. The large Lugdunum issue disseminated this message across the western provinces; the early deaths of Lucius (AD 2) and Gaius (AD 4) ended this plan and ultimately led to Tiberius’s accession.