© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus AVGVSTO OB C S; Liber 19 BC - 4 BC
| Gold | 9.9 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 19 BC - 4 BC |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 9.9 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#247755 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Legend in two lines in oak-wreath.
Script: Latin
Lettering: AVGVSTO OB C S
Translation:
Augusto, Ob Cives Servatos.
To Augustus, for having saved the citizens.
Comment
Mass varies: 7.92–11.69 g;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin is that it was used as a means of propaganda by the Roman Empire. The coin's design featured images of the Roman emperors, and the inscriptions on the coin promoted the emperor's accomplishments and ideologies. This coin, in particular, features an image of Emperor Augustus, who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD, and the inscription "AVGVSTO OB C S" which stands for "Augustus, son of the divine Caesar." The coin's design was meant to solidify Augustus's position as the rightful heir to Julius Caesar and to promote his image as a powerful and divine leader.
