Caesar Augustus | Silver Denarius

History of the Artifact

This item is an authentic Roman silver coin, depicting and minted under the rule of Emperor Augustus. 

The Roman silver denarius during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE) was not only a cornerstone of the Roman economy but also a powerful tool for imperial propaganda. Augustus inherited a fractured republic and used various means to consolidate his power, with coinage being among the most effective. The denarius circulated widely across the empire, making it an ideal medium for disseminating messages about his authority and accomplishments.

The designs on the denarii of Augustus were meticulously crafted to reinforce his legitimacy and the stability he brought to Rome. The obverse of these coins typically featured a portrait of Augustus, depicted as eternally youthful and idealized to project strength and continuity. This was often accompanied by inscriptions such as "CAESAR AVGVSTVS" or "DIVI F," the latter emphasizing his status as the adopted son of the deified Julius Caesar. The reverse sides of the coins often displayed imagery symbolizing peace, prosperity, and military success. Figures like Pax, the goddess of peace, or symbols such as laurel wreaths and cornucopias, conveyed the message that Augustus' reign heralded a new era of stability and abundance.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these coins served a crucial propagandistic purpose. Augustus used the denarius to highlight his divine lineage, military victories, and civic achievements, ensuring that even those in distant provinces understood his supremacy. For instance, one famous denarius featured a comet on the reverse, a reference to the "Sidus Iulium," the star that appeared after Julius Caesar’s assassination and was interpreted as his deification. This clever use of imagery cemented Augustus’ claim to power as divinely ordained.

Economically, the denarius under Augustus was notable for its consistent silver content, reflecting the stability he restored to the empire. His reforms ensured the integrity of the monetary system, bolstering trade and public confidence in the currency. The denarii from this period not only fueled commerce but also served as a daily reminder of Augustus' accomplishments and the new order he established.

The legacy of the Augustan denarius is profound. It set a precedent for the use of coinage as a medium for imperial communication, a practice that would continue throughout the Roman Empire. These coins remain a rich source of historical insight, revealing how Augustus reshaped Rome not just through political and military might, but also through the subtle art of persuasion etched in silver.

How do I know these are original Roman coins?

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2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
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Your order will include:

• Augustus Denarius as shown in the photos
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

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