Description: In the twilight of Augustus' reign, as the Roman Empire stood at the zenith of its power, a remarkable gold aureus was struck in Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France) between AD 13-14. This coin, a testament to the opulence and artistic mastery of the era, features the laureate bust of Augustus on one side and the bare visage of his successor, Tiberius, on the other. The Coin This aureus, weighing 7.82 grams and measuring 20mm in diameter, is a masterpiece of ancient minting. Despite its age, it has survived in Choice Very Fine condition, as graded by NGC. Historical Context The minting of this coin coincided with a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana. Augustus, having transformed the Republic into an Empire, had ushered in an era of stability and economic growth. However, beneath the surface, tensions simmered: Succession Concerns: With Augustus in his twilight years, the question of succession loomed large. The appearance of Tiberius on this coin signaled his position as heir apparent, despite Augustus' initial reluctance to name him successor. Economic Boom: The aureus itself was a symbol of Rome's economic might. Gold coins like this circulated among the elite, facilitating large transactions and storing wealth. Propaganda and Power: The imagery on the coin served as a powerful propaganda tool. Augustus' title "PATER PATRIAE" (Father of the Country) reinforced his paternal role over Rome, while Tiberius' presence asserted the continuity of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Lugdunum: A Strategic Mint The choice of Lugdunum as the minting location was no accident. This city, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, had become a vital administrative and economic center for the western provinces. Its mint produced some of the highest quality coins in the Empire, reflecting its importance to Roman finance and governance. This aureus, gleaming with the luster of two millennia past, offers us a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in Roman history. It captures the transition of power from Rome's first emperor to his successor, embodying the wealth, artistry, and political acumen that defined the Augustan age.
Price: 9950 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2024-09-29T01:06:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Denomination: Aureus
Year: 27 AD
Era: Ancient
Ruler: Augustus
Certification: NGC
