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Bronze Dupondius - Æ 27-29 mm - 10,0 grams - RIC (Gaius) 58 - Die axis 12:00. |
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[M] AGRIPPA [L F COS III] (Marcus Agrippa Lucii Filius Consulares Tertius - M.A., Son
of Lucius, 3 times Consul). Head of Agrippa facing left, wearing the rostral crown.
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S[C] (at sides) : (Senatus Consulto - By decree of the Senate).
Neptune, nude, carrying cloaked over the arms, standing full front, facing left. Left side arm outstretched holding trident. Watching his outstretched right side arm holding a dolphin.
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Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was of common birth but became Augustus' lifelong friend, lieutenant, companion and supporter. From early on he was the one who supported him and helped him. It was Agrippa who emerged as his representative in all matters of finance and politics. It was also Agrippa who raised the army that would win the civil war. It was Agrippa who was largely responsible for the transformation of Octavian into Augustus the Emperor. But it would be Agrippa's common birth status that would ultimately prevent him from ever truly being considered as a potential heir to the newly created throne of Augustus.
Throughout the course of his life, Agrippa took three wives. His first wife was the daughter of Pomponius Atticus named Caecilia with whom he had a daughter Vipsania who became the first wife of the Emperor Tiberius. His second wife was the niece of Augustus Marcella who was very beautiful and considerably wealthy. Finally, in 21 BC, Agrippa was given Augustus' daughter Julia. Following the death of Marcellus, Augustus was desperate for an heir. It was at this time that he chose to give his daughter to Agrippa hoping that an heir would be born. Julia did produce three sons, Gaius, Lucius and Agrippa Postumus, as well as a daughter, named Agrippina. However, it would be through his daughter Agrippina that his descendants would ultimately rise to the throne in his grandson Caligula followed by his great-grandson Nero.
Agrippa died in 12 BC a few months before the birth of his third son Agrippa Postumus
Posthumous Issue. Minted in Rome.
Obv. : Good but caked - Rev. : Good but very caked. |
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