Augustus, Lugdunum mint (Lyon), 2 BC.-12 AD.,
Denarius (18-19 mm / 3,48 g),
Obv.: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F [PATER PATRIAE] , laureate head of Augustus right.
Rev.: C L CAESARES / AVGVS[TI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVE]NT , Lucius and Gaius Caesars, togate, standing holding honorary shields and spears; X in center, above center on l. a simpulum r. and on r. a lituus to left.
RIC I, 56, 211 (scarce) ; BMC 537 ; Coh. 43 .
uncleaned
The type commemorates Gaius and Lucius Caesars, the grandsons of Augustus by Marcus Agrippa, as heirs to the imperial throne. Gaius became Princeps Iuventutis in 5 BC and Lucius in 2 BC. Their respective deaths in 4 AD and 2 AD were later attributed to Augustus' wife, Livia, to secure the throne for her son, the future emperor Tiberius.