Augustus 27BC-14AD Gold Aureus about Extremely Fine

Rare in any grade, but excessively rare in the quality seen here, it is with great delight that we can present a genuine gold aureus from the reign of Rome’s first emperor – Augustus.

Having triumphed over Marc Antony, as well as an array of key political figures from the Roman Republic, Octavian became sole master of the Roman world in 31BC. By 27BC, he had been granted the title ‘Augustus’, meaning ‘the revered one’. Although paying lip service to the independence and power of the Senate, Augustus sought to install an autocratic regime ruled by a hereditary dynasty. A rare Roman gold coin type, especially in the superior quality seen here, this aureus is powerful evidence of this ambition.

Struck at the mint in Lugdunum (Lyon), the coin before you unites a fine portrait of Augustus with his ill-fated heirs – grandsons Lucius and Gaius, who predeceased him. One of the most famous Augustus types, this spectacular, extraordinarily rare 2,000+ year-old gold coin is in premium grade about Extremely Fine.