As distinct historical documents, ancient Roman coins undeniably provide key insights into the culture and government of the time. Designed by rulers and government, these coins have limitations in the breadth of their historical representation: they do not necessarily reflect the goals and values ​​of the people governed. Yet therein lies their value as relevant governmental artifacts. Coins functioned similarly to political ads; they communicated values ​​and intentions and were small, widely distributed representations of how rulers wished to appear to the population. Boldly breaking tradition, Julius Caesar became the first ruler to depict himself on coins, even using inscriptions to proclaim his superiority as a dictator. Establishing himself under a different title and moving to idealized portraiture, Augustus later used coinage to maintain the appearance of a restored res while distancing himself from Caesar. Although an ancient Roman coin constitutes only a slice of life, it was emblematic as a valuable political tool for both rulers in controlling desired public images. The first century BC saw a shift in the focus of coinage to highlight personal history and achievements, starting with Sulla and Pompey, who themselves minted coins to pay their soldiers. However, around 45 BC, after winning the civil war, Julius Caesar courageously became the first ruler to distribute official coins bearing his own image – an honor traditionally reserved for those who had died. The laurel wreath depicted around his head served as a further visual reminder of his status as a successful general, visually weighing this decision. With this move, Caesar was providing both an announcement and a proclamation of his then-fragile dictatorship. Yep... half the paper... is being produced at the same or faster rate despite the lack of significant population growth. Indeed, this further suggests the central nature of coinage in providing propaganda to Augustus. Like those before and after him, he was intent on advertising himself as "Champion" and relied on coins to spread this title and the achievements it claimed. Although the major peaks of instability occurred before his rule, it appears from the evidence provided by Turchin and Scheidel that this goal still operated regardless of both the size of the population and the general instability of the time period. The titles and engravings, as represented by the coin of Augustus, highlight a clear and significant shift in government from Caesar's dictatorship and the Republic. As highlighted by Augustus in particular, this focus became critically important to his self-representation and rule.