Augustus Bull Charging Denarius | Hand-Struck Silver Coin Replica

Why collectors buy this piece

• Early Imperial Roman denarius issued under Augustus, Rome’s first emperor
• Struck during the formative period following the end of the Roman Republic (late 1st century BCE)
• Symbolic type reflecting strength, renewal, and the consolidation of imperial authority
• Represents the transition from Republican power struggles to stable imperial rule
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-striking methods
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors interested in early Imperial Roman coinage marking the emergence of the Roman Empire under Augustus.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This early Imperial Roman denarius of Augustus is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the historic “bull charging” silver issues struck in the late 1st century BCE. Produced during the formative years of the Roman Empire following the end of the Republic, each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking methods, resulting in irregular flans, varied relief, and surface character comparable to ancient originals.

Unlike cast or machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, texture, and individuality characteristic of ancient coinage.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Rare variety with laureate head of Augustus and bull charging left. The charging bull seen on this lovely denarius of Augustus refers to a victory won by his his biological father, Gaius Octavius, over rebelling slaves near the Greco-Italian city of Thurium. Augustus was actually given the name Gaius Octavius Thurinus at birth to mark the event, and his political opponents derisively called him “Thurinus” early in his political career. Far from taking offense, Octavian/Augustus embraced the title and employed the symbol of Thurium, a charging bull, on his coins. Interestingly, the variety with the bull charging to left, seen here, is about ten times rarer than the issue with bull charging right.
• Originally called Octavian, his name is today known simply as Augustus which was the title given him by the Senate in the year 27 B.C. He was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar and was following an illustrious military career when Caesar was murdered. On hearing of this he set in motion a series of alliances meant to avenge his great-uncle’s assassins. He recruited Lepidus and Marc Antony for the task, defeated Brutus and his co-conspirators and then carved up the Roman world among the three. Lepidus was thus left in control of the African provinces, Marc Antony with Egypt and the eastern provinces and Octavian the rest including Rome itself.
• The Triumvirate as it was called was unstable and they each began to plot against the other. Within a few years however Lepidus would be stripped of his powers and Marc Antony would be defeated in a major battle. Antony and his wife Cleopatra then committed suicide leaving Octavian as sole emperor. Octavian then became known and referred to by his title and went on to rule the Roman Empire for another 40 years. He did this while cooperating with the Senate and to him Romans owed much of the grandeur and influence that this empire became known for.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– RIC 189a

– BN 1422

– BMCRE p. 82, note

– RSC 159

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Augustus Bull denarius replica

Denomination represented: AR Denarius

Authority / Mint: Lugdunum, Gallia mint

Era represented: 15-13 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 3 gr

Dimensions: approx. 19-21 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Laureate head of Augustus, right
Legend:
AVGVSTVS DIVI F

Reverse: Bull butting left
Legend:
IMP•X in ex.

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, and surface are expected.

Availability & Variations

When listed as “Add to Cart,” the coin shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive.

When listed as “To order,” the coin will be hand-struck to order. Each newly struck piece will differ slightly in appearance, reflecting the traditional minting process.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a modern, hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related historically accurate Roman coin replicas:

• See other Augustus & early Roman Imperial denarius replicas
  
• View Roman & Greek silver coin replicas