Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 81

Obverse

Head of Augustus, bare, left

Reverse

Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing front, head right, holding aquila in right hand and standard on left shoulder

Historical Note

Mars Ultor, the divine avenger of Caesar's murder, appears here holding the aquila (legionary eagle) and a military standard — the specific attributes connecting him to the recovered Parthian standards of 20 BC, which Augustus housed in the Temple of Mars Ultor. The frontal pose with head turned right is unusual and gives this type distinctive presence.