Description
Uncertain mint in Hispania (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), circa 19-18 BC. AR denarius. 3.72 gr., 19.7 mm.
Obv.: head of Augustus to the left, wearing oak wreath.
Rev.: two laurel trees; above: CAESAR, below: AUGUSTUS.
Ref.: RIC 33b; BMC 319.
Some hairline marks. Nearly Extremely Fine.
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 from them, as though he were the perpetual conqueror of the enemies, and saviour of the citizens of the Republic.”
