The Roman Empire
Dynastic Issues of Augustus
Aureus, Lugdunum 2 BC - 4 AD, AV 7.84 g. CAESAR AVGVSTVS – DIVI F PATER PATRIAE Laureate head r. Rev. AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT Gaius and Lucius, both togate, standing facing and resting hands on shield; behind each, shield and spear. In centre field, simpulum and lituus . In exergue, C L CAESARES. C 42. BMC 539. RIC 209. CBN –. Calicó 177.
About extremely fine Ex Antiqua sale XVII, 2013, 89.

Gaius and Lucius, having been adopted by Augustus, are shown here on a common type in silver but rarer in gold. The coupling of the obverse and reverse legends clearly mark the children out as intended successors to the emperor. The title of princeps iuventutis was recognized and approved by the senate, after Augustus had this title given to his grandsons. The ceremonial shield and spear, are significant as they link the two young heirs to the Roman cavalry. The reverse design is somewhat cluttered and examples which have complete legends, as seen here, are the exception. RIC dates this coin as part of a series minted from 2 BC to 4 AD. It would seem the latest this issue can be dated is early 2 AD as Lucius died in 2 AD and Gaius in 4 AD. It just doesn’t make sense that this dynastic type would continue to be minted after the death of Lucius. With the deaths of the two adopted sons the path was cleared for stepson Tiberius to finally be considered for succession. MSG.