coin
- Museum number
- 1973,0822.311
- Description
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Silver coin. (whole)
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Gaius and Lucius Caesar, on left and right, standing front, each togate and resting hand on shield; behind each shield, a spear; above, lituus right (on left) and simpulum left (on right); below lituus and simpulum, X. (reverse)
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Head of Augustus, laureate, right. (obverse)
- Production date
- 2BC-4
- Dimensions
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Die-axis: 4 o'clock
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Weight: 3.58 grammes
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
- The reverse illustrates the dynastic and political position of Gaius and Lucius at this time. The brothers were the sons of Agrippa and Julia, daughter of Augustus. They were due to succeed Augustus but predeceased him in AD 4 and 2 respectively. The shields and spears represent the coming of age of Gaius and Lucius and the honour of princepes iuventutis, "first among the youth" which was an honour bestowed upon them by Augustus. The simpulum represents Gaius who became a pontiff in 7 BC. The lituus or augural staff was the symbol for the college of augurs and refers to Lucius, who was appointed as augur. This type may possibly be the "Tribute Penny" of the bible (although this is unlikely given its manufacture in the western part of the empire).
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
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Exhibited:
2005-2006 25 Jul-13 Jan, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Buried Treasure: Finding Our Past
2005 12 Feb-26 Jun, Newcastle, Hancock Museum, Buried Treasure: Finding Our Past
2004 1 Oct-2005 15 Jan, Manchester Museum, Buried Treasure: Finding Our Past
2004 30 Apr-21 Sep, Cardiff, National Museums & Galleries of Wales, Buried Treasure: Finding Our Past
- Acquisition date
- 1973
- Department
- Coins and Medals
- Registration number
- 1973,0822.311
