Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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This silver coin was minted in Italy, perhaps at Brundisium or Rome, by Octavian (later known as the emperor Augustus) around 29 to 27 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts Octavian holding a whip and ploughing with a yoke of oxen, a design symbolic of his expansion of the frontiers of Rome. The legend '[I] MP CAESAR' refers to his title as Imperator and family name of Caesar, though that was later adopted as a title. The coin is fairly worn.

After Caesar's death in 44 BC, over a decade of civil war ensued. Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, emerged victor in 31 BC. A new constitutional form of government was agreed with the Senate, and Octavian assumed the title Augustus in 27 BC. Over his long reign, he expanded the frontiers, and rebuilt many of Rome's institutions, moving the government from a republic to an empire.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-594-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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