Augustus

Aureus · Gold

RIC I² 91

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, right

Reverse

Victory flying right holding shield inscribed CL V in right hand and branch in left

Historical Note

Victory carries the Clipeus Virtutis — the golden shield awarded to Augustus by the Senate in 27 BC, inscribed with his four virtues (virtus, clementia, iustitia, pietas). The combination of Victory, the virtue shield, and a laurel branch compresses three key Augustan honours into a single image: military victory at Actium, the Senate's recognition of his character, and the laurels of the conqueror.