This silver denarius (common Roman silver coin) was minted in 13 BC at Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Front Side: Features the bare head of Augustus facing right with the inscription "CAESAR AVGVSTVS" (Caesar Augustus)
Back Side: Shows Augustus and his friend/general Marcus Agrippa seated side by side on a platform decorated with three ship prows (rostra), with an apparitor's (official's) staff on the left, and the inscription "C SVLPICIVS PLATORIN" (name of the moneyer)
Technical Details:
Size: 17mm diameter
Weight: 3.32 grams
Orientation: 4H (die axis)
References: RIC I 407, SEAR 1599
Historical Significance: This coin commemorates the close partnership between Augustus, Rome's first emperor, and Marcus Agrippa, his most loyal general and friend. Agrippa was instrumental in Augustus' rise to power, particularly through his naval victory at Actium in 31 BC. The ship prows (rostra) on the platform likely reference this naval triumph. The coin demonstrates how Augustus used coinage to emphasize continuity of government and the importance of key allies in his new imperial system. By 13 BC, Augustus had firmly established his rule and was highlighting those who helped secure his position.
This silver denarius (common Roman silver coin) was minted in 13 BC at Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Front Side: Features the bare head of Augustus facing right with the inscription "CAESAR AVGVSTVS" (Caesar Augustus)
Back Side: Shows Augustus and his friend/general Marcus Agrippa seated side by side on a platform decorated with three ship prows (rostra), with an apparitor's (official's) staff on the left, and the inscription "C SVLPICIVS PLATORIN" (name of the moneyer)
Technical Details:
Size: 17mm diameter
Weight: 3.32 grams
Orientation: 4H (die axis)
References: RIC I 407, SEAR 1599
Historical Significance: This coin commemorates the close partnership between Augustus, Rome's first emperor, and Marcus Agrippa, his most loyal general and friend. Agrippa was instrumental in Augustus' rise to power, particularly through his naval victory at Actium in 31 BC. The ship prows (rostra) on the platform likely reference this naval triumph. The coin demonstrates how Augustus used coinage to emphasize continuity of government and the importance of key allies in his new imperial system. By 13 BC, Augustus had firmly established his rule and was highlighting those who helped secure his position.
