minted somewhere in Italy

Coin (reverse), Quinarius, of Augustus

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:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
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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