Superb Sestertius of Augustus
985. Augustus Ӕ Sestertius. Uncertain Asian mint, circa 25 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head right / CA within rostral wreath. C.J. Howgego, Coinage and Military Finance: the Imperial Bronze Coinage of the Augustan East, in NC 1983, p. 7, 2a, pl. 1, 9; RIC 501 (Pergamum); BMC 713 (Pergamum); CBN 956 (Pergamum); RPC 2233 (Asia). 21.70g, 35mm, 12h. Essentially As Struck, as such Very Rare for this issue.
2,000
A most elegant portrait of the young Augustus early in his reign, enhanced with a beautiful light green patina. The mint identity and reverse legend of the Augustan CA issues has long been discussed. For a survey of theories see RPC I, pp. 380-381. Following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, Augustus returned to Italy via Asia, most likely personally sanctioning at Pergamum the temple dedicated to himself and Rome. At the end of the civil war, Augustus sought to restore peace to the empire and to reinforce her frontiers. This was achieved by establishing diplomatic relations with the surrounding rulers, and the placement of Agrippa as proconsul of Asia Minor once Augustus had returned to Rome in 19 BC. CA may refer to the stabilised Communitas Asiae.
986. Augustus AR Denarius. North Peloponnesian mint, circa 21 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head right / Laurel wreath intertwined with prows, the wreath ties arranged centrally. RIC 473; BMC 669. 3.70g, 18mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.
750
Perpetual Conqueror and Saviour
987. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Tarraco?), circa 20-16 BC. Laureate head right / Two laurel trees, CAESAR above, AVGVSTVS below. RIC 51; RSC 47. 3.87g, 20mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful toning around the devices.
2,000
On 16 January 27 BC, Octavian formally handed back all power to the Roman Senate, who in return conferred upon him the titles of Augustus and Princeps and according to Dio Cassius, “in addition to numerous honours already conferred on Augustus, it was ordained by the Senate and people that laurel trees should be planted in front of his palace, and oaken crowns suspended on them, as though he were the perpetual conqueror of the enemies, and saviour of the citizens of the Republic.”
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