Coins of Augustus

Coins of Augustus were coins of the Roman Empire minted during the reign of Augustus. According to the catalogue The Roman Imperial Coinage, from the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, when power was fully consolidated under Augustus, until his death in 14 AD, 550 distinct coin types of various denominations were issued.

During Augustus reign, a series of measures known as the monetary reform were implemented. The Roman Empire established a system where the gold aureus and silver denarius formed the basis of a bimetallic monetary system. The intrinsic value of silver and gold coins matched their nominal value. Coins made of base metals were fiat, meaning their value was determined not by the metal content but by state legislation. A distinctive feature of the monetary system was the coexistence of both imperial and provincial coins. The issuance of imperial coins was directly controlled by the state or individuals authorized by the emperor, while provincial coins were issued by local authorities under the supervision of Roman governors.

While weight standards were consistent, the designs of the coins were not standardized. This led to the creation of hundreds of coin types across different denominations, with varying imagery. These coins often served as a tool for propaganda. Their active circulation, passing through many hands, combined with their value and relative durability, made them an effective medium for disseminating the ruler's views, ideas, and grandeur.