ROMAN EMPIRE – AUGUSTUS (27 BC – AD 14) AV Aureus • Lugdunum • Struck 15–13 BC NGC XF | Strike: 5/5 • Surface: 1/5 Weight: 8.00 g | Cert. #8534354-001

Description A commanding and historically resonant gold aureus struck at Lugdunum during the crucial early years of Augustus’ principate. The obverse displays a serene, bare-headed portrait of the newly established emperor, rendered in the idealized classical style that would define the iconography of Rome for generations. While showing faint evidence of old cabinet cleaning—likely the removal of early illustration wax—the piece remains sharply struck with a notably crisp portrait.

Reverse Iconography The reverse features one of the most symbolically layered motifs in Augustan coinage: a powerful charging bull, shown butting right, with IMP X in the exergue. This imagery echoes the revered bull coinage of ancient Thurii, recalls the patriotic bull of the Marsic Confederation, and subtly invokes the Gens Iulia’s divine descent through Venus, whose zodiacal sign is Taurus. Through this single image, Augustus unites the themes of Italian identity, dynastic legitimacy, and imperial destiny.

Historical Context Struck when Augustus was shaping the ideological foundations of the Roman Empire, this aureus belongs to the final phase of his pre-Augustan monetary messaging. The bull, symbolizing renewed strength and unity, serves as a powerful visual narrative of Italy’s triumph, Rome’s consolidation after the chaos of civil war, and Augustus’ role as the architect of a new world order.

Condition & Numismatic Notes Encapsulated by NGC as XF, this aureus boasts a perfect strike (5/5) with finely detailed musculature on the bull and a broad, well-centered flan. The surfaces—graded 1/5—reflect long-term handling within early European numismatic circles, consistent with its distinguished provenance. Still, the remaining luster in protected areas underscores its strong state of preservation.

Provenance This coin carries an exceptional pedigree: • From The Hurter-Amman Collection of Ancient and World Gold and Silver Coins and Medals • Acquired by Spink & Son on 20 April 1938 (with original green stock ticket) • Purchased earlier that year from Giovannina Majer, renowned Venetian numismatist and consultant to the Museo Correr • Descended from the respected Majer numismatic firm founded in 1907 by Nicoló MajerXCBAFZSP

References Cohen 136; Bahrfeldt 201; BMC 450; RIC I² 166a; Calicó 212bg