Roman Empire, Gaul. Tiberius, 14-37 AD Lugdunum, c. 14-37 AD
Roman Empire, Gaul. Tiberius, 14-37 AD Lugdunum, c. 14-37 AD
AV Aureus, 7.76g (19mm, 2h).
TI CAESAR DIVI – AVG F AVGVSTVS Laureate head r. / PONTIF – MAXIM Draped female figure (Livia as Pax) seated r. on chair with ornamented legs, holding long vertical sceptre and branch
References: C 15. BMC 39 var. RIC 29. CBN 26. Calicó 305b.
Grade: Slightly o/c but extremely high relief and fantastic strike. Lustrous surfaces and beautiful in hand. A few minor marks. EF
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Opened by Augustus in 15 BC, the Lugdunum mint was in full production when Tiberius came to the throne. In fact, under Augustus the Lugdunum mint surpassed Rome in importance to become the main hub of gold and silver coin production. Under Tiberius this was slowly reversed, until it was closed in 64 AD under the emperor Nero.
This particular type is proof that the Romans occasionally used dies for multiple denominations! Furthermore, these were the same dies (with Livia as Pax on the reverse) as those used for the famous "Tribute Penny" denarius from the Bible. The informal portrayal of Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus and the mother of Tiberius, as Pax on this coin is notable. Livia was never formally depicted or named on any coins of either Augustus or Tiberius, nor was she portrayed or named on any coins minted by her husband. She is thought to appear here in the role of Pax as a representation of peace.