Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 541

Obverse

Head of Augustus, laureate, right

Reverse

Capricorn right, holding globe; rudder attached below; above cornucopiae

Historical Note

Capricorn was one of Augustus's most important personal symbols. He was born under Capricorn (or believed his nativity chart was particularly strong when the moon was in Capricorn), and he embraced the sign as proof of divine destiny — publishing it on coins, gems, and cameos throughout his reign. This coin shows the simplest form of the motif.