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THE MINT OF LUGDUNUM. 77a number of gold and silver coins, struck between2 B.C. and A.D. 24, to the same mint. 202 B.C. seq.61. O&v.-CAESAR AVCVSTVS DIVI F PATERPATRIAE. Laur. head of Augustus r.[PL VI. 19, 20.]COS DESIC PRINC IVVENT.In ex., C L CAESARES. Caius and Luciusstanding, facing, with shields, spears, &c.Aureus (Coh. 42) ;Denarius (Coh. 43).^.AVGVSTI FSig. Laffranchi maintains that the mint of Lugdunumwas entirely inoperative from 6 B.C. to A.D. 3. Hebases his reasoning on the fact that the dated seriesof gold quinarii of the Victory type temporarily ceaseswith TR-P-XVII (7 B.C.) and does not recommenceuntil TR-P.XXVII (A.D. 4); from which he arguesthat no coins should be assigned to Lugdunum duringthe interval. It may be urged as a prima facieitself illogical.argument that such a deduction is inBut in the Caius and Lucius type, just described, wehave directevidence that not only were coins struckat Lugdunum during this period, but that the mint wasextremely active.Sig. Laffranchi advances the theory that the type iscommemorative and should be placed after the deathof Caius and Lucius, in A.D. 4. Mr. Hill, 21 however,has pointed out that Augustus received the title ofPater Patriae on Feb. 5, 2 B.C., and that Caius had beendesignated consul in 5 B.C. to enter on his consulship20 Sig. Laffranchi has pointed out the irregular and crampedformation of the letters on the coins of Lugdunum, particularlythe letter S, which invariably appears as 5. In contrast theletters on the coins of Roman mintage are large, square, and morecarefully formed.21Hill, Historical Roman Coins, p. 169.