| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 127 Price realized: 50 EUR (Approx. 54 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Ionia. Magnesia ad Maeander. Augustus 27 BC-AD 14. Bronze Æ 19 mm, 5,54 g ΛΕΥ[ΚΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ] ΓΑΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ, bare heads of Lucius and Gaius Caesar facing each other, monogram between / [ΜΑΓΝΗ]ΤΩ[Ν], facing cult statue of Artemis Leukophryene, with two supports. Fine RPC I 2696. Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar, sons of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Julia (Augustus's daughter), were adopted by Augustus in 17 BC to secure the Roman imperial succession. Gaius, the elder brother, held esteemed titles like "Leader of the Youth" and was granted imperium maius in 2 BC. In 2 BC, he married Livilla and embarked on a significant journey to the East, meeting Augustus's stepson, Tiberius. However, tragedy struck during the siege of Artagera in Armenia, resulting in Gaius's fatal injuries and subsequent death in Limyra, Lycia. A cenotaph was erected in his honor. Lucius Caesar, the second son, designated "Leader of the Youth" at the age of 2 BC, enjoyed early recognition and promises, including an engagement to Aemilia Lepida. Unfortunately, Lucius met his untimely demise on his way to Spain in AD 2, where he was set to be introduced to the army before assuming the consulship. His premature death marked the end of a promising lineage within the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and he was buried in the Augustus Mausoleum. With Gaius and his younger brother Lucius both deceased by AD 2, Augustus turned to his stepson Tiberius and Agrippa Postumus as new heirs. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 164 Price realized: 160 EUR (Approx. 173 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Macedon. Thessalonica. Augustus, with Divus Julius Caesar 27 BC-AD 14. Bronze Æ 22 mm, 12,07 g ΘEOΣ, wreathed head of Julius Caesar right; (NK) (=Νερων Καισαρ) monogram within circular incuse / ΘEΣΣAΛONIKEΩN, bare head of Augustus right; Δ below. Nearly Very Fine RPC I 1554; for countermark: Howgego 625. Octavian, also known as Augustus, was a prominent Roman statesman and military leader who played a pivotal role in transforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Born in 63 BC in Rome, he was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. Octavian's political journey began when he was named Caesar's heir in his will after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. Aligning himself with Mark Antony and Lepidus, he formed the powerful Second Triumvirate, seeking vengeance for Caesar's death by defeating his assassins. As conflicts arose within the Triumvirate, Octavian emerged as the dominant figure. The alliance between Octavian and Antony collapsed into a bitter civil war, culminating in the decisive Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Octavian emerged victorious. In 27 BC, Octavian relinquished his extraordinary powers and accepted the title "Augustus" from the Senate, marking the inception of the Roman Empire. Though he held the title of princeps (first citizen), Augustus effectively became the first Roman Emperor. Under Augustus' rule, the Roman Empire experienced an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. He introduced various reforms to strengthen the state and initiated extensive building projects across the empire, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. Augustus' reign, which lasted for 41 years until his death in AD 14, marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the beginning of the Roman Empire. His ability to consolidate power, navigate complex political waters, and maintain stability earned him admiration and secured his position as one of Rome's most influential leaders. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Naville Numismatics Ltd. > Auction 86 | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 249 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: Corinthia, Corinth Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD Bronze circa 2-1 BC, Æ 19.70 mm., 5.87 g. Bare head of Augustus r. Rev. Bare heads of Gaius and Lucius Caesar, facing each other; GL between. RPC 1136. BCD Corinth 338. About Very Fine. Starting price: 35 GBP |  |
Match 3:
| Eid Mar Auctions GmbH > Auction 2 | Auction date: 10 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 347 Price realized: 170 EUR (Approx. 183 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Roman Imperial Augustus. 27 BC.- 14 AD. AR Denarius (19 mm, 3.8 g.). Lugdunum mint, struck 2 BC. - 4 AD. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head of Augustus right Rev. AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES, Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing facing; shields and spears between; lituus and simpulum above. RIC 10; BMCRE 540; RSC 43c. Two Banker's marks, otherwise Good Very Fine with excellent grade of the silver. Estimate: 200 EUR Starting price: 160 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Nomos AG > obolos 31 | Auction date: 21 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 462 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: TROAS. Scepsis. Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. (Bronze, 15 mm, 2.01 g, 6 h). ΓΑΙ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ Bare head of Gaius Caesar to right. Rev. ΛΕΥ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΚΗ Bare head of Lucius Caesar to right. RPC I 2326. For c/m: GIC - (Monogram). Well struck and with a magnificent portrait of Lucius Caesar. About extremely fine. Previously, this countermark has been observed as an "N." However, it is clearly a monogram. Starting price: 100 CHF |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 126 Price realized: 50 EUR (Approx. 54 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Ionia. Ephesos. Nero AD 54-68. Kousinios, episkopos for the fourth time Bronze Æ 16 mm, 3,38 g Ε[ΦΕ], childlike, draped and bare bust right / KOY[ΣINIOΣ TO Δ], cult statue of Artemis Ephesia standing facing, with supports; all within wreath. Nearly Very Fine RPC I 2625. Nero, whose full name was Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, stands out in history as one of the most controversial Roman emperors, reigning from AD 54 to 68. Born in AD 37, Nero's path to power was unique. Through the maneuverings of his mother, Agrippina the Younger, he was adopted by Emperor Claudius and eventually ascended to the throne at just 16 years old upon Claudius's death. Nero's early rule was marked by moderation and influence from his advisors Seneca and Burrus. Yet, his reign took a dark turn with the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. While it's unlikely he "fiddled while Rome burned," Nero's shifting of blame to Christians and subsequent persecutions stained his legacy. Nero was a paradoxical figure. He had an artistic streak and passion for music, poetry, and theater, seeing himself as a performer. He indulged in grand artistic competitions and even took the stage himself. His extravagance, however, knew no bounds. Lavish spending coupled with financial mismanagement led to public discontent and resentment. Revolts and unrest burgeoned, leading to Nero's ultimate downfall. In AD 68, Nero faced a Senate declaration branding him a public enemy. Fleeing Rome, he ultimately chose to take his own life rather than face the consequences of his actions. Nero's legacy is enigmatic. While history often portrays him as a tyrant and an inept ruler, modern interpretations suggest that some accounts might be sensationalized or politically motivated. For instance, the idea of him playing the fiddle during Rome's fire is debunked by historical accuracy. Nero's fall marked the beginning of the chaotic "Year of the Four Emperors," paving the way for the Flavian dynasty. His reign remains a subject of fascination, as historians continue to peel back layers of complexity to understand the forces that shaped his rule and eventual downfall. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
