Augustus

Aureus · Gold

RIC I² 60

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, right

Reverse

Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing left, head right, holding aquila and standard

Historical Note

Mars Ultor holds the recovered Parthian standards — the aquila and vexillum were the specific symbols of the standards returned by Parthia in 20 BC. The temple housing them (dedicated 2 BC) was central to the Forum of Augustus. Augustus presented the diplomatic recovery of these standards as a military triumph, and Mars's role as avenger reinforced that narrative.