Coin (reverse), Denarius, 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 denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a military trophy. Its base is crossed with a rudder and anchor, and it has been set on a prow of a ship. The legend 'IMP' to the right indicates Octavian's military title of Imperator. 'CAESAR' to the right is his family name which later was used as a title.

After a victorious battle, the Greeks erected a trophy on the battlefield and dedicated it to the gods. It consisted of weapons of the defeated army placed on a pole or tree trunk. This custom was adopted by the Romans. This trophy celebrates the decisive naval victory at Actium.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-592-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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