Reproduction As of Augustus - Lugdunum Alter

Obverse: Laureate bust of Augustus right. Text to left, CAESAR, to right PONT MAX. Counter strike of Varius.

Reverse: Front elevation of the Altar of Lugdunum, decorated with the corona civica between two laurels, these being flanked by nude male figures; to left and right, Victories on columns facing each other. Text in exergue ROM ET AVG (To Rome and the emperor (Augustus)).

History: When the dedication of the Lugdunum Alter occurred Augustus allowed his youngest son Nero Claudius Drusus to lead the ceremony, and he insisted that the altar be dedicated first to Rome, and then to himself – hence the inscription ROM ET AVG. This coin is counterstruck with the mark of Publius Quinctilius Varus, one of Augustus' most celebrated generals, a general who was later to meet his doom with three full legions in the Teutoberg Forest disaster.

Date: Lugdunum mint. Circa 15-10 BC

Diameter: 2.4cm