Augustus Bronze Semis RIC I (second edition) Augustus 246

Monetary Context

The monetary reforms initiated by Augustus regularized Roman provincial and imperial base-metal denominations into a tiered, predictable system based on the brass sestertius and dupondius, together with the copper as, semis, and quadrans. The semis, valued at half of an as or one-eighth of a silver denarius, provided necessary divisibility for low-value local transactions, military provisioning, and marketplace retail. In the western provinces, particularly Gaul and the Germanic frontier zones, the scarcity of small bronze often prompted the circulation of halved assess or localized sub-units. The production of formal copper-alloy semisses at Lugdunum met this structural demand directly. RIC I (second edition) Augustus 246 was issued during the final phase of the principate, specifically dated between AD 12 and AD 14. This period witnessed the consolidation of imperial authority following the Varian disaster of AD 9 and the formal granting of maius imperium and tribunicia potestas to Tiberius. The monetary policy of this era deliberately reinforced the continuity of the regime by projecting Tiberius as the undisputed co-regent and heir apparent.

Production and Mints

Production of this type was exclusively centered at Lugdunum, an administrative and monetary hub founded in 43 BC that developed into the primary imperial branch mint for northern and western provincial coinage under Augustus. Lugdunum possessed strategic logistical advantages, positioned at key riverine trade routes and adjacent to the heavily garrisoned Rhine frontier where operational military payrolls and market expenditures were continuous. The metallurgical composition of the Lugdunum semis series generally consists of a leaded or unleaded copper-bronze alloy, distinct from the higher-zinc orichalcum used for contemporary sestertii and dupondii. Die production at Lugdunum during this late period demonstrated high technical standardization, with well-centered imagery, clean epigraphy, and consistent flan preparation. Although exact absolute weight standards fluctuated across individual production runs, specimens typically fall within a target range of approximately 4.2 to 5.2 grams, with diameters between 18 and 20 mm, adhering to the fractional standard established for Augustan semisses in Gaul.

Obverse Iconography

The obverse of RIC 246 depicts the laureate head of Tiberius facing right. Unlike earlier Augustan issues that emphasized the princeps himself, this design elevates Tiberius to visual prominence, reflecting his formal position as Augustus's co-ruler and successor. The portraiture is rendered in the classicizing, dignified imperial style typical of late Augustan official art: firm facial planes, a straight nasal profile, neatly arranged hair locks bound by a laurel wreath with dangling ribbons, and an expression of sober gravitas. The laurel wreath symbolizes imperatorial triumph and religious sanctity, directly linking Tiberius to the successful military operations conducted along the northern borders. The truncation of the neck is executed cleanly, positioned neatly within the surrounding epigraphic ring without intersecting the outer beaded border.

Reverse Iconography

The reverse iconography presents the famous Altar of Rome and Augustus at Lugdunum, originally dedicated in 12 BC at the sanctuary of the Three Gauls at Condate. The altar represents the central monument where representatives of the sixty-four Gallic tribes gathered annually for religious celebrations and political assembly. On the coin, the structure is depicted in frontal perspective with elaborate architectural ornamentation. The central altar wall is flanked by panels decorated with festive garlands, the corona civica (civic crown of oak leaves), and standing figures, flanked on either side by monumental vertical columns. Atop each column stands a winged Victory facing inward toward the altar, each holding a palm branch and a triumphal wreath. This complex visual ensemble emphasized provincial loyalty, communal peace, and the protective divinity of the Roman state, projecting the ideological unity of Rome and the Gallic provinces across all ranks of society.

Inscriptions and Epigraphy

The inscriptions on RIC 246 carry significant titular and ideological weight. The obverse legend reads TI CAESAR AVGVST F IMPERAT VII, expanding to Tiberius Caesar Augusti Filius Imperator VII ('Tiberius Caesar, son of Augustus, acclaimed imperator seven times'). The explicit inclusion of 'Augusti Filius' underscores filial legitimacy and the Augustan dynastic succession, while the title 'Imperator VII' securely links the striking to Tiberius's seventh imperatorial acclamation, awarded following his campaigns in Germany and Illyricum. On the reverse, the base of the altar bears the concise legend ROM ET AVG, an abbreviation for Romae et Augusto ('To Rome and Augustus'). This epigraphic dedication explicitly connects the monetary issue with the imperial cult at Lugdunum, articulating the dual devotion to the personification of the imperial city and the living princeps.

Typology and Chronology

The typology of RIC I (second edition) Augustus 246 fits into the prolonged 'Altar series' of Lugdunum, which numismatists divide into distinct chronological phases. The first altar series commenced around 10 BC, followed by second altar series emissions beginning around AD 10. RIC 246 belongs to the culminating stage of the second series, struck contemporaneously with corresponding as denominations bearing Tiberius's portrait and parallel titles. The terminus post quem of AD 12 is provided by Tiberius's receipt of his seventh imperatorial salutation, while the terminus ante quem is the death of Augustus on August 19, AD 14, whereupon Tiberius assumed undivided supreme power and imperial coin legends transitioned to his own reign as princeps. RIC 246 is catalogued in Roman Imperial Coinage alongside related fractional denominations, differing from earlier semis emissions by its specific obverse titling and refined die style.

Circulation and Archaeological Context

Archaeological finds demonstrate that Lugdunum altar bronzes achieved extraordinarily extensive circulation throughout the western provinces of the Roman Empire. Excavations along the Rhine limes, including legionary camps and auxiliary forts at sites such as Haltern, Oberaden, Vindonissa, and Mainz, consistently yield specimens of this series. The semisses of this late group also circulated heavily in civilian contexts across Gallia Lugdunensis, Gallia Belgica, and Aquitania. Due to their small denomination and constant utility in everyday retail, surviving specimens frequently show considerable wear, and older altar issues often remained in circulation well into the Julio-Claudian era, occasionally appearing in contexts dating to Nero or the Flavians. Countermarking is occasionally observed on related bronze issues of Lugdunum to validate their continued use in military sectors, reflecting the intense and enduring economic integration fostered by base-metal coinages.

References

1. The Imperial Cult in the Latin West: Studies in the Ruler Cult of the Western Provinces of the Roman Empire. The Altar of the Three Gauls
2. Le monnayage de l'atelier de Lyon: des origines au regne de Caligula (43 av. J.-C. - 41 ap. J.-C.). Lugdunum Mint Catalogue
3. Online Coins of the Roman Empire: RIC I (second edition) Augustus 246. ric.1(2).aug.246
4. Roman Provincial Coinage, Volume I: From the Death of Caesar to the Death of Vitellius (44 BC-AD 69). Lugdunum Altar Series Overview
5. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume I: From 31 BC to AD 69 (Revised Edition). pp. 57-59, no. 246