Augustus Denarius (27 BC - 14 AD) - A Symbol of Imperial Authority and Dynastic Ambitions

The reign of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, marked the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, a shift that would shape the course of history for centuries to come. Among the many tools Augustus used to solidify his power was coinage. Coins were not just currency; they were a powerful medium of propaganda, designed to communicate political messages to the public. One particularly fascinating coin from his reign is the denarius minted between 27 BC and 14 AD, which features a distinct design and inscriptions that reflect Augustus' political achievements, his divine ancestry, and the grooming of his heirs.

The denarius of Augustus from 27 BC - 14 AD carries two important symbols of Augustus’ rule, encapsulating his power, his connection to divine lineage, and his preparations for securing the imperial future. The obverse and reverse designs together provide a window into Augustus’ reign and his dynastic ambitions.

Obverse: The Laureate Head of Augustus

The obverse of the coin features a laureate head of Augustus, facing right. The laurel crown, often associated with victory and military achievement, was a common symbol of power and honour in Roman coinage, but its inclusion on Augustus' head carries deeper significance. The laurels here not only highlight Augustus' military successes but also connect him to a long tradition of victorious generals, reinforcing his position as the legitimate heir to Julius Caesar.

Above the head, the inscription reads "CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE". Each part of this inscription speaks volumes about Augustus’ status and the authority he wielded:

• "CAESAR AVGVSTVS" refers to Augustus’ imperial title, cementing his identity as the ruler of Rome. His use of the name “Caesar” connected him to Julius Caesar, his adopted father, and symbolized his rightful place as heir to Caesar’s legacy.
• "DIVI F" means “son of the divine,” referencing Augustus’ claim to divine descent through his adoption by Julius Caesar, who was posthumously deified. This divine association not only bolstered his claim to power but also presented Augustus as having a semi-divine status, a necessary component in securing his authority.
• "PATER PATRIAE", meaning “father of the fatherland,” was a title bestowed upon Augustus in 2 BC by the Senate and reflects his role in stabilizing Rome after decades of civil war. It was a title that linked Augustus directly to the welfare and protection of the Roman state and people, elevating him as a paternal figure responsible for Rome’s restoration.

Reverse: Gaius and Lucius Caesar as Heirs to the Empire

On the reverse of the coin, we see an important depiction of the future of the Roman Empire. The coin shows Gaius and Lucius Caesar, Augustus’ grandsons and his intended heirs, standing side by side, each togate and resting their hands on a shield and spear. To the left and right of the boys, we also see a simpulum (a ritual vessel used in religious ceremonies) and a lituus (a curved staff used by augurs for taking auspices).

This imagery of Gaius and Lucius Caesar reflects Augustus’ deliberate efforts to ensure the continuity of his dynasty and the succession of power. Both young men were designated by Augustus to succeed him, as evidenced by their prominent display on the coin. By showing them dressed in the toga, a symbol of Roman citizenship and authority, Augustus was signaling that the future of the Roman Empire was secure in the hands of his descendants, thereby reinforcing the idea of a dynastic transition.

The simpulum and lituus further emphasize the religious and political aspects of Roman rule. The simpulum, associated with ritual sacrifice, signifies the religious role the future emperors would play in maintaining the favor of the gods. The lituus, associated with augury (the practice of interpreting omens), suggests that Gaius and Lucius would also bear the responsibility of maintaining Rome’s divine favor. These symbols link the future rulers of Rome to both its religious traditions and its military strength.

Above this scene, the inscription reads "C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT":

• "C L CAESARES" refers to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, emphasizing that these were the two heirs chosen by Augustus to carry on his legacy.
• "AVGVSTI F" once again highlights their connection to Augustus, underscoring that they were his direct descendants.
• "COS DESIG" stands for Consuls Designate, indicating that Gaius and Lucius were being groomed for the highest office in Rome, further solidifying their role as the future leaders of the Empire.
• "PRINC IVVENT" refers to their youth and their designation as Principes Juventutis, or “princes of the youth,” a title that suggested they were the future leaders of the Roman aristocracy, ready to inherit and rule the Empire.

Political and Dynastic Significance

The Augustus denarius from 27 BC to 14 AD is not just a coin; it is a statement of Augustus’ political strategy, his consolidation of power, and his careful planning for the future. The coin, with its focus on Augustus’ divine lineage and his heirs, reflects the emperor’s ongoing efforts to solidify his legacy and ensure the continuity of his dynasty. By showcasing Gaius and Lucius Caesar, Augustus was not only reinforcing his familial authority but also preparing the people of Rome for the eventual transfer of power.

At the same time, the coin also reflects the growing centralization of imperial power. Augustus’ image on the obverse, along with his divine association and title of "father of the fatherland," presented him as the ultimate guarantor of Rome’s stability and prosperity. The reverse, showing the young heirs, signalled that the transition of power would be smooth and dynastic, thus preventing the uncertainty and chaos that often came with succession crises in Rome.

A Legacy Carved in Coinage

The denarius of Augustus from 27 BC to 14 AD is much more than a mere piece of currency. It is a reflection of Augustus' political genius, his ability to craft a legacy that would endure, and his careful preparation for the future of the Roman Empire. Through the use of powerful imagery and strategic inscriptions, this coin communicated not only his divine right to rule but also his desire to ensure a stable and hereditary succession. For Augustus, coinage was an essential tool in securing his place in history, and this denarius serves as a lasting reminder of his vision for a unified, dynastic Roman Empire.