Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.59 g, 7 h), uncertain mint in Spain (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS Bare head of Augustus to right. Rev. SIGNIS RECEPTIS / S - P / Q - R Round shield inscribed CL•V•, flanked by aquila on the left and signum on the right. BMC 418. Cohen 265. RIC 86a. very fine
The Parthian kingdom had been a threat to Rome's eastern frontier for several decades before Augustus had become emperor, and in 53 BC three legionary eagles had been captured at the Battle of Carrhae, where the Romans suffered a crushing defeat under the command of Crassus. The loss of the legionary eagles was a source of great shame for Rome, but they were regained by Augustus following the success of his diplomacy with the Parthian king and this achievement is celebrated on the reverse type of the present piece.
The clipeus votivus, or votive shield, was an ancient custom and in his Aeneid Virgil relates that Aeneas dedicated a shield to Apollo Actius (V. 235). Given the Aeneid's prevalence as a propagandistic tale of Rome's founding, it is difficult to deny a connection between the importance of Actium to both Aeneas and Augustus, as well as the reference to Augustus' supposed line of descent from Aeneas, via his adoption by Julius Caesar.