Roman Coins During the Principate of Augustus
Depicted in youthful form with no inscription.
 What does this depiction suggest about
Augustus’ public image?
LEGES ET IURA P.R. RESTITUIT (Res Gestae
34); Augustus is shown seated on the curule
chair (sella curulis) that marked high office.
 Translate the inscription:

Define a curule chair:

What message does this imagery send to
the Roman people?
Depicting the clipeus virtutis (shield of valor) See
Res Gestae 34.

Find the virtues (in Latin) inscribed on the
shield:

What are the English translations:
Depicting the corona civica (civic crown) with the
inscription "for saving the citizens"
 What specific reason was this crown given
to Augustus?

Translate: Civis [cives] servatos

What is the Latin inscription?

What is the English translation?

What connotations does it have for
Augustus? (at least 2)
Shows the door Augustus' house between laurel
trees, with the civic wreath above.

Who decorated his door?

Why?
Tiberius and Drusus hand Augustus symbols of
victory (laurel branches) after successful Alpine
campaign of 16/15 BCE; toga-clad Augustus sits
on sella curulis;
 Describe the significance of this scene:
Depicts Apollo with lyre as victor at the naval
battle of Actium.

Look at the coin, why do scholars
think this coin refers to Actium?

Why was Apollo important (think
about Augustus’ rise to power and the
Prima Porta)?
Depicting a viaduct topped by a triumphal arch.
 What is a viaduct?


What is a triumphal arch?
What aspect of Augustus’ reign does
this coin emphasize?
Depicting Victory driving a chariot pulled by
two elephants on a triumphal arch atop a
viaduct.
 Translate the inscription: QVOD
VIAE MVN(itae) SVNT

What important road did
Augustus fix?

Who rebuilt the other Roman
roads?
Depicting a herald for the Secular Games,
celebrated by Augustus in 17 BCE;
herald holds the cadeuceus, traditional
herald's staff.
 What were the Secular Games?

Which poet wrote a poem
commemorating the event?
Depicting a Gaul kneeling in submission and
holding out a Roman standard.
 Describe Augustus’ problems in Gaul:

Who was actually in command?
Depicting a German kneeling in submission and
holding out a military trophy.
 Describe Augustus’ problems in Germany:
 Looking at this coin and the previous one,
how does Augustus depict barbarians? What
virtue does Augustus emphasize in the Res
Gestae regarding conquered peoples?
Depicting the emperor in his priestly role as augur;
he carries the lituus, the crooked staff that was the
symbol this priesthood.
 What virtue does this coin emphasize?
 How is this same virtue depicted on the Ara
Pacis?
 How is this same virtue reflected in the Res
Gestae?
Issued after his death in 14 CE.
Shown wearing the radiate crown of the sun-god,
which indicated divinity.
 Is this a realistic depiction?
 Why would they choose to depict him in
this way?
 Why would Tiberius (his successor) choose
to circulate this coin?

Why is Roman coinage such a powerful medium for Augustus’
propoganda?

Augustus had several coins made before 27 BC under the name
“Octavian.” Design two coins that would commemorate important events
and family connections necessary to help Octavian gain popularity:

Pick a public figure in society today. Design a coin that commemorates
his/her achievements and explain your drawing.