Augustus AR Denarius, Colonia Patricia, 18 BC, SPQR temple & currus

Augustus, Denarius, Silver, reign 27 BC–AD 14; struck 18 BC at Colonia Patricia. 3.75 g, 19 mm. Obv: CAESARI AVGVSTO; laureate head of Augustus left. Rev: S P Q R; domed tetrastyle temple; within, a triumphal currus facing right containing an aquila and four miniature galloping horses. Struck on a standard denarius module at the Spanish mint of Colonia Patricia; centered strike with full legends typical of the issue. Reference: RIC I2 Augustus 120. This Spanish issue belongs to the large series produced at Colonia Patricia in the aftermath of the Cantabrian War, when Augustus reorganized Iberia and paid the armies. The SPQR legend highlights senatorial authority in granting honors to the princeps, while the temple and triumphal chariot type advertises the public monuments and ceremonial imagery associated with Augustus’ achievements and the consolidation of his regime in the late 20s–teens BC.