Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 173A

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, right

Reverse

Diana, in tunic, standing at angle to left, leaning right hand on spear and holding bow in left; dog left

Historical Note

Diana with spear, bow, and hunting dog is the classic huntress type. She appears on Augustan coinage primarily because of her connection to Apollo — Augustus's patron deity — and because the Temple of Apollo Palatinus incorporated a Diana shrine. The hunting dog reinforces her role as mistress of the chase.