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Aureus - Augustus S·P·Q·R· CL·V, Victory
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 19 BC |
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| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
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| Obverse description | Bare head of Augustus facing right, rendered in fine high relief with naturalistically detailed hair falling in short locks across the forehead, characteristic of the classicizing Augustan portraiture style. The portrait displays the idealized yet individualized features associated with the emperor's official image during his early principate. The surrounding field is plain, and the coin is bordered by a neat beaded border. The legend AVGVSTVS is inscribed in the lower portion of the field, partially flanking the portrait bust. |
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| Reverse description | A Victory figure, rendered as a winged figure with outstretched wings, is depicted perched atop a globe set upon a decorative column base, grasping a trophy or standard at the center. To the left, a large Parthian-style mask or bearded barbarian head with exaggerated features occupies the lower field, alluding to Roman victories over Parthia and the recovery of the legionary standards. The inscription S · P · Q · R · appears in the upper field above the central device, while CL · V appears on the globe, referencing the clupeus virtutis, the golden shield of virtue awarded to Augustus by the Senate. The entire design is enclosed within a beaded border. |
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This issue belongs to a celebrated group struck to commemorate the recovery of the legionary standards from Parthia in 19 BC — a diplomatic achievement Augustus promoted aggressively as a military triumph. The standards, lost by Crassus at Carrhae in 53 BC and by Antony's forces thereafter, were returned by Parthian king Phraates IV without a battle, a fact Augustus had every interest in obscuring.
The S·P·Q·R· CL·V legend references the clipeus virtutis, the golden shield voted by the Senate in 27 BC honoring Augustus's virtus, clementia, iustitia, and pietas. RIC 276 is a scarce variety within this broader emission.