Augustus, denarius, AR, 27 BC–AD 14

Augustus, denarius, AR, 27 BC–AD 14, Rome, c. 2 BC–AD 4, 3.12 g, 18 mm. Obverse with bare head of Augustus right; legend CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE. Reverse with Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each resting a hand on a shield and holding a spear, with simpulum and lituus in the fields; legend C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT.

Struck from worn dies with heavily impaired surfaces and extensive roughness and porosity; legends partly affected, major types discernible. RIC I (2nd ed.) Augustus 207. This issue publicizes Augustus’ dynastic program by promoting his adopted heirs Gaius and Lucius Caesar, designated consuls and styled principes iuventutis, using imagery and priestly implements to associate the successors with traditional civic and religious authority; the type is among the principal denarius reverses illustrating Augustan succession planning in the early Principate.