© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Octavius Posthumous; IMP•DIVI•IVLI•F TER•III•VIR•R•P•C• / M•AGRIPPA•COS DESIG 38 BC
38 BC year| Gold | 8.1 g | 20.33 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Triumvir | Octavian (Caius Octavius) (43 BC - 32 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 38 BC |
| Value | Aureus (25) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.1 g |
| Diameter | 20.33 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#312712 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Inscription on two lines.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
M · AGRIPPA · COS
DESIG
Unabridged legend: Marcus Agrippa Consul Designatus
Translation: Marcus Agrippa, consul designated
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Octavius coin is that it features a posthumous image of Octavius (later known as Augustus Caesar) on the obverse, despite being minted during his lifetime. This was a rare practice in ancient Roman coinage and suggests that the coin was minted to commemorate Octavius' victory in the Roman civil wars and his subsequent rise to power.
