Tiberius promoting Augustus
E2017.509, RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 81
Inscriptions
Obverse: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER
Reverse: PROVIDENT S C [1]
Depicted on the obverse of this ancient coin is the divine Augustus, emperor of Rome from 27 BC to 14 AD [2]. This coin reflects the ancient use of coinage to spread certain messages or propaganda. The coin is a bronze 'as', which was a very common denomination and was therefore accessible to all sectors of the community [3]. The message of this coin was thus able to reach many Romans, making it an effective and beneficial tool for spreading Tiberius' message. For most citizens, this was the only way they would get to know their emperor, which meant coins were significant in sculpting a perfect imperial image.[4]
The specific date of this coin type is unclear, but it is estimated to have been minted between 22-30 AD, which aligns with the time of Tiberius’ principate (14-37AD). Aspects of the coin allow us to gain a clearer idea of the time frame in which it was in use. The inscription on the reverse of the coin reads ‘PROVIDENT’ which derives from the Latin word Prōvidentia translating to foresight or precaution. Academics have linked their temporal understandings of the coin to the Ara Providentiae at Rome which is depicted on the reverse of the coin. [5] Various sacrifices took place at that altar directly linking the image on the coin to Augustus’s adoption of Tiberius and Tiberius’ adoption of Germanicus. [6] The altar depicted clearly had a strong ideological importance at the time.
As mentioned above, ancient coins were often used for propaganda purposes in order to spread the emperor's message. In the case of this coin there are a few theories about what message is being conveyed by the imagery. One theory suggests that it was a tactic for Tiberius to establish himself as the rightful successor of Augustus. Ancient authors depicted Augustus as a prosperous and generous ruler (Suet. Aug. 41). Due to the prosperity of the divine Augustus (Tac. Annals. 2.71), it was beneficial for Tiberius to align himself with the emperor. [7] This relates to the altar depicted on the coin because it spreads the message that his adoption was part of Augustus' plan. This gives validation to Tiberius as a future emperor and foreshadows his future imperial role.
The obverse of the coin also communicates of the intention of the coin, particularly in the word ‘Pater’. This is notable as it relates to the honorific phrase ‘Pater Patriae’, which is a title that was given to sixty-year-old Augustus in 2 BC and means ‘Father of the Fatherland’ [8]. The use of the word ‘Pater’ on the coin promotes Tiberius by reference to his lineage and is a significant aspect of the legend. Tiberius is thus insinuating that he too possesses the qualities that Augustus expressed during his reign. This reflects how Tiberius would have wanted to show that his adoption by Augustus was an intentional choice. Depicting the Ara Providentiae on the coin shows that it was Augustus’ intention for Tiberius to have the role of emperor.
There are various explanations that could account for Tiberius’ motivation in producing this coin type, but the most significant function of the coin would have been to legitimise Tiberius and prove his worthiness to be Augustus' successor. Tiberius also may have wanted to counter the popularity of Germanicus who was well liked in the public sphere, which Tiberius may have felt threatened by. [9] However, it is also possible that the motivation behind the coinage was to give the public a sense of security by reassuring them that Augustus had a suitable and capable successor in Tiberius.
The SC on the reverse of the coin stands for Senatus Consulto [10] and alludes to the possibility that Tiberius himself did not commission the coinage. This coin has a small denomination, which the Senate often had control over. This could be a possibility as after the death of Drusus it is believed that Tiberius’ interest in imperial duties lessened (Suet.Aug.59). The lack of interest from Tiberius may have prompted the senate to commission coins highlighting Tiberius’ suitability for the role.
Regardless of whether Tiberius or the Senate were behind the production of this coin, it is evident that the main goal was to align him with the role of emperor and show that he was suitable for the role, deserving of his power and that Augustus' Empire was secure.[11]
[1] Online Coins of the Roman Empire, RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 81
[2] Encyclopaedia Britannica - Augustus
[3] Smith, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities
[4] Roman Coinage, Ancient History Encyclopaedia
[5] Fishwick, D. “Agrippa and the Ara Providentiae at Rome”
[6] Ibid.
[7] Cowan, E. “Tacitus, Tiberius and Augustus”
[8] Encyclopaedia Britannica - Pater Patriae
[9] Williams, K. F. “Tacitus' Germanicus and the Principate"
[10] Toynbee, J. M. C. “Some Problems of Romano-Parthian Sculpture at Hatra.”
[11] Cowan, E. “Tacitus, Tiberius and Augustus”