166 | Celtiberian coins

Automatically generated translation

CAESARAUGUSTA (Zaragoza). Dupondio. (Ae. 20.24g/34mm). 27 BC-14 AD (FAB-310). Obv: Vexillum between two banners, among them: LEG-IV/LEG-VI/LEG-X, around legend: AVGVST DIVI F. Rev: Yoke to right, on top: II VIR/CCA, around legend: TIB FLAVO PRAEF GERM LIVENT LVPERCO. Good Very Fine. Legend revised to burin. Naturally forced green patina without the use of chemical processes. Very rare specimen and more so.

Traditionally, the team has been considered a symbolic element linked to the founding of cities. But behind the team and the farmer there is also the idea of wealth and prosperity of the new colony. Although it was throughout the Empire, the truth is that this iconography is especially characteristic of Caesaragusta, especially in the time of Augustus and tending to disappear in that of Tiberius (since he permeated the coinage with a more propagandistic theme where the imperial cult replaced any other iconographic element). In the words of the researcher Alberto Aguilera: "It seems clear that the constant use of the team is linked to the policy of founding or re-founding cities that Augusto carried out both in the West and in the East in order to settle numerous legionary veterans, as demonstrated by the occasions in which the scenes are combined with a military sign”.