CVC & Collectables presents this impressive AE Dupondius of Divus Augustus, struck under Emperor Tiberius shortly after the death and deification of Rome’s first emperor. Certified NGC Choice XF, this historic bronze issue boasts a Strike 5/5 and features the iconic large “SC” within an oak wreath reverse. These posthumous memorial issues honored Augustus as the “Father of the Fatherland” and served as an enduring symbol of Rome’s continuity during the early Imperial period.
Coin Highlights
- Roman Empire
- Emperor Honored: Divus Augustus (27 BC–AD 14)
- Issuing Emperor: Tiberius (AD 14–37)
- Date: Struck after AD 14
- Denomination: AE Dupondius
- Composition: Bronze
- Weight: 14.39 grams
- Grade: NGC Choice XF
- Strike: 5/5
- Surface: 2/5
- Reference: RIC I 79
Obverse:
The obverse depicts the radiate head of the deified Augustus facing left with the inscription:
DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER
Translated as:
“The Divine Augustus, Father.”
The radiate crown signifies Augustus’ deified status following his death in AD 14, emphasizing his elevation among the Roman gods and reinforcing the legitimacy of Tiberius’ succession.
Reverse:
The reverse features a bold S C (Senatus Consulto) centered within a finely engraved oak wreath.
The letters S C stand for Senatus Consulto (“By Decree of the Senate”), indicating the Senate authorized the bronze coinage. The surrounding oak wreath (Corona Civica) was one of Rome’s highest honors, originally awarded to Augustus for saving the lives of Roman citizens and preserving the Republic. It became one of the defining symbols of his reign and later his deification.
NGC Strike & Surface Ratings
NGC Ancients grades strike quality and preservation independently, giving collectors a more complete assessment of an ancient coin.
- Strike 5/5: The highest possible strike designation. Every major detail of Augustus’ portrait, legends, and the oak wreath reverse was sharply impressed by the dies. Strong strikes of early Imperial bronze coins are increasingly difficult to locate due to the size and thickness of the flans.
- Surface 2/5: The coin displays typical ancient surface roughness and environmental effects expected after nearly two millennia. Despite these circulation and burial characteristics, the coin retains excellent detail and outstanding historical appeal, earning the prestigious Choice XF overall grade.
Emperor History: Augustus (27 BC–AD 14)
Born Gaius Octavius, Augustus rose to power following the assassination of his great-uncle Julius Caesar. After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, he established a new political order that transformed Rome from a republic into an empire.
Granted the title Augustus in 27 BC, he ruled for more than four decades, overseeing an era known as the Pax Romana, characterized by peace, prosperity, and massive public building projects. His administrative reforms, military reorganization, and economic policies created institutions that endured for centuries.
Following his death, Augustus became the first Roman emperor to be officially deified by the Senate, cementing both his historical and religious significance.
Collectibility
Posthumous bronze issues of Divus Augustus are among the most historically important coins of the early Roman Empire. They represent the beginning of the imperial cult and commemorate the emperor who permanently reshaped Roman history.
This example is especially desirable because of its NGC Choice XF designation and exceptional Strike 5/5, preserving remarkably crisp legends and a sharply defined oak wreath. Collectors of Roman Imperial coinage, Julio-Claudian history, and early Imperial bronzes highly value these memorial issues for their historical significance and connection to Rome’s first emperor.
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