Augustus

Aureus · Gold

RIC I² 129

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, left

Reverse

Capricorn right, holding globe with attached rudder, cornucopia above

Historical Note

Capricorn was one of Augustus's most important personal symbols. He was born under Capricorn (or believed his nativity chart was particularly strong when the moon was in Capricorn), and he embraced the sign as proof of divine destiny — publishing it on coins, gems, and cameos throughout his reign. This coin shows the simplest form of the motif.