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Primary sourceDocument19-18 BCE

Roman Denarius with the Head of Caesar Augustus

Caesaraugusta Mint · 19-18 BCE

A silver denarius coin minted around 19-18 BCE bearing a portrait of Augustus, photographed in 2021 by James St. John.

An ancient coin bearing Augustus's own portrait, minted during his reign to spread his image and authority.

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Photo of a silver Roman denarius coin on a light gray background. It shows a profile portrait of a laureled or bare-headed male figure facing left, with inscribed letters CAESAR around the left edge and AUG around the right.
Roman denarius with portrait of Augustus, Caesaraugusta Mint, Spain, c. 19-18 BCE. Photograph by James St. John, 2021.

About this source

What it is

This is a photograph of an ancient Roman silver denarius, about 2,040 years old, bearing a portrait of Augustus (born Gaius Octavian), the first Roman emperor, who ruled from 27 BCE to 14 CE. It was struck at the Caesaraugusta Mint in Spain, in the city now known as Zaragoza, around 19-18 BCE. The reverse side shows a comet that appeared in 44 BCE.

Why it matters

Coins like this spread Augustus's image and authority across the Roman world, reaching people who would never see him in person. The comet on the reverse links Augustus to the memory of Julius Caesar, since the comet was seen as a sign tied to Caesar's death, helping Augustus claim legitimacy as Caesar's heir.

Look closer

  • Why would an emperor put his own portrait on money used every day?
  • What does the comet on the coin suggest about how Augustus wanted to be seen?
  • What is the small mark on the cheek, and why was it added?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Augustus on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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