Augustus, Silver Denarius, Tetrastyle Temple With Chariot.

Augustus (27 BC to AD 14), silver Denarius, Spanish mint, c. 18 BC, CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head right, rev. domed tetrastyle temple containing chariot containing aquila and four miniature galloping horses, S.P.Q.R. in exergue, 3.71g, 5h (RIC I, 115). Very fine.

Augustus, who ruled as Romes first emperor from 27 BC to AD 14, issued this silver Denarius around 18 BC from a Spanish mint (likely Colonia Patricia / Córdoba). Struck during a period when Augustus was heavily focused on consolidating his moral and political reforms, securing provincial administration, and promoting diplomatic victories such as the recovery of the lost legionary standards from the Parthians this coin served as a powerful piece of imperial propaganda meant for both the army and the western provinces. On the obverse of the coin, we see a clean, classic laureate head of Augustus facing right. The laurel wreath was a traditional symbol of triumph and supreme authority, signalling to anyone handling the currency that Augustus stood at the apex of power, embodying the peace and stability of the Pax Romana. The reverse of the coin features an intricate architectural design: a domed tetrastyle temple containing a triumphal chariot. Inside the chariot sits an aquila flanked by four miniature galloping horses. Beneath this architectural marvel, the iconic acronym S.P.Q.R. is displayed in the exergue. This imagery brilliantly bridged the gap between divine honour and state governance, celebrating Roman military honour and the return of lost standards while subtly placing the glory under the watchful eye of the emperor. This denarius captures Augustan art at its finest, balancing classical restraint with grandiose political messaging. It remains an insight into how the emperor used everyday coinage to shape public memory and loyalty across the vast Roman world.

The obverse legend CAESARI AVGVSTO translates to "To Caesar Augustus."

The reverse legend S.P.Q.R translates to "The Senate and People of Rome."