Coin (reverse), Quinarius, of Augustus

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This silver coin was minted somewhere in Italy by Octavian (later known as the emperor Augustus) around 29 to 27 BC. It is a type called a quinarius, worth half of a denarius which was the standard silver coin in use for most of Rome's history. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts the goddess Victory holding a wreath and a palm while standing on a cista mystica, a basket containing the sacred serpent used in the worship of Bacchus. On either side are two snakes. The legend 'ASIA' on the right and 'RECEPT[A]' on the left refers to Augustus's victories in the east which left him sole contender for ruling Rome.

After Octavian's victories, he made a show of giving power to the Senate, who in turn conferred it back to him. True to his motto to 'make haste slowly', he then gradually forged a new political system, which resulted in wide powers for the emperor and few for the Senate.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-676-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Minted around 29 to 27 BC
  
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• References:
  • Sutherland, C.H.V. The Roman Imperial Coinage. From 31 BC to AD 69. Vol. 1, revised ed. London: Spink and Son Ltd, 1984. 
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