Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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This silver coin was minted somewhere in Italy by Octavian (later known as the emperor Augustus) around 32 to 29 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the bare head of Octavian facing to the right.

The last years of the Republic were marked by civil war. At the battle of Actium in 31 BC, the troops of Mark Antony were defeated by Octavian. Octavian was summoned by the Senate to establish a government which would continue the traditions of the Republic. Instead, it resulted in the first steps towards the Empire.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-587-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10442
• Date: 32 - 29
  Minted around 32 to 29 BC
  
• Material: Silver; oval flan; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. No legend; bare head of Octavian to right / Rev. Naked male figure seated to right on cloak on rock, petasus slung behind, both hands holding lyre; CAESAR to left; DIVI F to right
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 257
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 22.00 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 3.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 257
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Augustus
  
• Where: Italy (uncertain mint)
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Augustus, Rome, minted in Italy at uncertain mint, c 32 - 29 BC
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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