The Roman Empire
Dynastic Issues of Augustus
Denarius, Lugdunum 8 BC, AR 3.82 g. AVGVSTVS – DIVI·F Laureate head of Augustus r. Rev. C CAES Caius Caesar on horseback galloping r., holding reins in r. hand, l. hand holding sword and shield; behind, eagle between two standards. In exergue, AVGVS·F. C 40. BMC 502. RIC 199. CBN 1461.
In an exceptional state of preservation. Wonderful iridescent tone,
virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear.
Gaius (commonly referred to today also as Caius) was the eldest son from the marriage of Agrippa and Julia, making him grandson of Augustus. Gaius, along with his younger brother Lucius, was adopted by Augustus in 17 BC and his name was changed to Gaius Julius Caesar. He was born in the fall of 20 BC and here would be still a young boy of 12 or 13 years of age. In 6 BC he was allowed to sit with the senate and he was designated for the consulship, which he held in 1 AD. He was wounded in battle while on campaign in Armenia and died a short time later in 4 AD. MSG.