Caesar Augustus. AR Denarius.

Augustus, 27 BC – AD 14. AR Denarius (20 mm, 3.49 g, 8 h). Rome, 29–27 BC.

Obv. Laureate head of Augustus right; behind, winged thunderbolt.

Rev. IMP·CAESAR. Octavian (Augustus) seated left on curule chair, holding Victoriola in right hand.

Refs: BMC 637; Cohen 116; CRI 427; RIC 270.

A handsome early denarius of Augustus, struck shortly before or just after the formal settlement of 27 BC that conferred on him the title Augustus. The obverse portrait is marked by the presence of the winged thunderbolt, a symbol of Jupiter’s divine sanction for Octavian’s rule, and a subtle allusion to his victory at Actium. The reverse presents the young princeps enthroned on a curule chair, emblem of magisterial authority, holding a statuette of Victory, thereby proclaiming his role as restorer of order through conquest.

The type neatly encapsulates the ideological programme of the Augustan principate: divine favour, legitimate civic authority, and military success as the foundations of a new era of peace.

Ex Peus Auction 351, April 23, 1997, Lot 590., Superior Stamp & Coin August 13, 1995 Lot 710, the Collection of Dr. John Jacobs (1918-1993) assembled in the 1970s-80s.