Lot 20
Augustus (27 BC-AD 14) AV Aureus, Lugdunum, c. 15-12 BC, 7.84g.
Auction: 23 November 2026, 10:30 GMT
Description
AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head of Augustus right. Rev. Bull butting right, IMP X in exergue. (RIC 166a; Calico 212). Good Very Fine or better.
There are two main theories attributed to the significance of the reverse design on this gold aureus of Augustus. The first relates the butting bull to Mars, the god of war. This theory would suggest that the design relates to a great victory accomplished by Augustus. It would likely be the Battle of Philippi – where the forces of Octavian and Antony defeated those of Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius. The second, arguably more believable theory, is that the bull is a direct link to the Southern Italian city of Thurium. As we know from the ancient Greek numismatic record, the symbol of Thurium was a butting bull. But how does the city of Thurium relate to Augustus? The answer dates back to the Servile War.
In 60 BC, Augustus’ father, Gaius Octavius, successfully protected the Lucanian city from a marauding band of rebellious slaves. The young Octavian (later Augustus) was given the surname ‘Thurinus’ in celebration, but this name was dropped over the following years. It would appear that the ‘bull’ series of coins pays tribute to Augustus’ ancestral heritage.
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