Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 1680, Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) 389, Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 153.

Bay, A., ‘The Letters SC on Augustan Aes Coinage’, Journal of Roman Studies 62 (1972), 111-122.

1967.04

As of Augustus

9.824 g. c.19 BC

Obv.: Head of Augustus r., bare.

CAESAR AV[GVSTVS TRIBVNIC(ia) POT]EST(ate).

Rev.: In centre, S(enatus) C(onsulto). Around edge, [C(aius)] PLOTIVS RVFVS IỊỊ [VIR A(ere)] A(rgento) A(vro) F(lando) [F(eriundo)].

No bronze coinage was issued from Rome between 80 BC and c.19 BC with the possible exception of a few coins 45-44 BC). As part of his programme of restoration after the troubles of the late Republic, Augustus re-introduced bronze coins. ‘S.C.’ on the reverse indicates the senate’s (nominal) authority over minting in Rome. The name and title of one of the college of moneyers gives continuity with past practice. But Augustus’ head and titles on the obverse make clear his personal authority.

In 27 BC Octavian had received the title ‘Augustus’. In 23 BC he had tribunician power conferred on him, which was renewed annually for the rest of his life; but he does not number the grant of tribunician power in the earlier years. This coin probably belongs to 19 BC, when Augustus had returned from a three-year tour of the East.

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 1680, Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London, Spink, 1923-1994) 389, Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 153.

Bay, A., ‘The Letters SC on Augustan Aes Coinage’, Journal of Roman Studies 62 (1972), 111-122.