Augustus

Aureus · Gold

RIC I² 73

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, right

Reverse

Hexastyle round domed temple, Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing inside left, holding aquila in right hand and parazonium in left

Historical Note

The Temple of Mars Ultor in hexastyle form with Mars holding the aquila and parazonium. The six-column facade represents the temple as it actually appeared. The parazonium (short sword) is a commander's weapon, connecting Mars both to the recovered Parthian standards and to Augustus's military authority.