Ancient Rome 2 BC - 4 AD Lugdunum Mint, Augustus Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Ancient Rome 2 BC - 4 AD Lugdunum Mint, Augustus Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Augustus (63 BCE–14 CE), born Gaius Octavius and later known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, was the first emperor of Rome and the architect of the Roman Empire. After the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father, Julius Caesar, Augustus skillfully navigated the turbulent years of civil war, defeating rivals such as Marc Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. As princeps, he implemented wide-ranging reforms in administration, the military, and taxation, while fostering a period of relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Augustus also patronized the arts, rebuilt Rome with monumental architecture, and established a system of succession that stabilized imperial governance. His reign laid the foundations for centuries of imperial rule and cemented his legacy as one of Rome’s most influential leaders.

Obverse: The laureate head of Augustus facing right, legend around.
Reverse: Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing, dressed in togas, each resting their hands on a shield and spear, with a simpulum (a small vessel or ladle with a long handle used to taste wines and mike libations) and a lituus (a Roman military J-shaped trumpet) between them, and the legend around.

Specifications:
Emperor: Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 3.5 g
Diameter: Approx. 19 mm
Mint: Lugdunum, Gaul (modern-day Lyons, France)