Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 7.91 g, 5 h), uncertain mint in Spain (Colonia Patricia?), circa 17-16 BC. S•P•Q•R•CAESARI AVGVSTO Bare head of Augustus to right. Rev. VOT•P•SVSC•PRO•SAL•ET•RED•I•O•M•SACR• Mars standing front, head to left, holding vexillum in his right hand and parazonium in his left. Antike Kunst (1967), 482 (this coin). BMC 437. Calicó 298. Cohen 324. RIC 149a. Very rare. A lovely and perfectly centered example of this interesting issue. A few light marks, otherwise, good very fine.


The reverse legend on this very rare issue translates as 'Public sacrifices have been made to holy Jupiter, the best and greatest, for the well-being and the safe return [of the Emperor]'. These were vows undertaken in anticipation of Augustus' departure to Gaul in 16 BC, where for the next three years he supervised campaigns against tribes near the Rhine and in the Alps and initiated a great reorganization program for the northwestern provinces.