This very rare coin is a sestertius in use under the reign of the first Roman emperor Augustus, born Caius Octavius (born in 63 BCE – died in 14 CE). Augustus became emperor in 27 BCE.

The letters S and C on the back of the coin stand for “Senatus Consultum”; this is a Latin term meaning that the Senate had been consulted, and that it authorized the production of this coin. The Senate had full power to authorize the issuance of bronze sestertii.

Musée Pierre-Boucher Collection

1985 385 Z