Augustus 27 BC-AD 14 Silver Denarius Lyon mint

Augustus 27 BC – AD 14 Silver Denarius, Lyon mint.

Gaius and Lucius Caesars

The Twelve Caesars

RCV 1597

20x15mm, 3.80g

Portrait of fine style, most attractive.

Augustus 27 BC – AD 14

Born in 63BC as Octavian he was adopted as heir by his great uncle Julius Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated in 44BC he showed sufficient acumen to hold his own against his main rival, Mark Antony with whom he formed a political alliance which was known as the Second Triumvirate. Defeating the Republicans Brutus and Cassius at the battle of Philippi in 42BC. By astute manoeuvring Octavian succeeded in becoming the dominant partner and in 36BC he succeeded in removing his 2 great rivals Sextus Pompey and Lepidus. His final confrontation with Mark Antony, who by this time was allied to Cleopatra, took place at the Battle of Actium in 31BC.
Consolidating his power over the next few years Octavian guided the transition of the Republic back to a monarchy. Obtaining a lifetime grant of tribunician powers Octavian, who took the name Augustus, was proclaimed as emperor in 27BC. Under his enlightened administration the empire prospered and stability was restored to the finances and economy. The Augustan currency system was to last for nearly 300 years. Augustus is associated with a number of major building works which include the construction of temples as well as the provision of a new water supply into the City of Rome. Upon his death bed Augustus is alleged to have said that he found Rome built in brick but left it in marble.
Augustus, who lived for 77 years, became increasingly concerned on the succession especially when his great friend Agrippa died in 12BC followed by Agrippa’s sons Gaius and Lucius. This left Augustus little choice but to designate Tiberius who was married to his only child Julia. Tiberius was also the empress Livia’s son by an earlier marriage, as heir.