­­Augustus, Ruled 27 BC-14 AD
AR Denarius, Struck 19-18 BC, Uncertain mint in Spain, possibly Colonia Caesaraugusta.
Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right.
Reverse: OB CIVIS / [SERVATOS], oak wreath with ties upward.
References: RIC I 40a
Size: 17mm, 3.68g
Ex: Ancient and Medieval Coins Canada, Auction 1, Lot #166 (12/1/2018)
Ex: CT Member @Severus Alexander
Notes: Banker’s mark (“F”) in left field of obverse, traces of gilding and mount (12 o’clock on obverse). The reverse depicts the oak wreath, the Corona Civica, awarded to Augustus by the Senate for having saved the Republic. (Somewhat ironic!) At the time of issue, Augustus was pursuing vigorous military policy in Spain; in 19 BCE the Cantabrians, from the northernmost coast, were brought under Roman control. 18 BCE saw the first of Augustus’s infamous moral laws, the Leges Iuliae.