coin

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Object Type
Museum number: IOC.1238
Denomination: denarius
Description: Silver coin. (whole); Head of Augustus, laureate, right. (obverse); Gaius and Lucius Caesar, on left and right, standing front, each togate and resting hand on shield; behind each shield, a spear; above, simpulum right (on left) and lituus left (on right). (reverse)
State
Authority
Cultures/periods
Production date: 2BC-4
Production place: Minted in: Lugdunum
Findspot: Excavated/Findspot: India (pre-1947)
Materials
Dimensions: Die-axis: 12 o'clock; Weight: 3.78 grammes
$Inscriptions
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).
Bibliographic references: RIC1 / The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 1 (207, p.55) (type); Turner 1989 / Roman Coins from India (p.102)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: emperor/empress; royal/imperial; arms/armour; religious object
Associated names: Named in inscription & portrayed: Augustus (Octavian); Named in inscription & portrayed: Lucius Caesar; Named in inscription & portrayed: Gaius Caesar
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1882
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: IOC.1238

Free entry

Opening hours