Roman Dupondius Coin

Inv. No.: c057
Date: 27 B.C.–A.D. 14.
Weight: 7.51g
 
Obv.: AVGVSTVS TRIBVNIC.POTEST. within wreath.

Rev.: C.GALLIVS LVPERCVS IIIVIR A.A.A.F.F.S.C.

By assuming tribunician power Augustus made his position stronger and more secure. Yet the title with its Republican associations was much more palatable than the universally detested Rex or Dictator.

The reverse is a reminder of the role of the monetal triumvirs, appointed for the “coining and striking of gold, silver and bronze money” (A.A.A.F.F. = auro, argento, aere flando, feriundo). It was their task to see that the Roman coinage should not be counterfeited, adulterated or improperly diminished in weight. In short, they were officially answerable for the genuineness of coins.

Comparanda:
RIC, Augustus 83.