Augustus

Aureus · Gold

RIC I² 316

Obverse

Head of Augustus, oak-wreathed, right

Reverse

Crab holding butterfly

Historical Note

The crab holding a butterfly is an unusual personal emblem type. In ancient symbolism the crab (patience, slowness, persistence) and butterfly (the soul, transformation) together may have expressed a personal motto or device. Augustus was known for the saying 'festina lente' (make haste slowly), and the crab was one ancient emblem for this concept. The butterfly may represent the soul or transformation.