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 29 to 27 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. It has been struck off centre, and there is a flaw in the coin behind the head.

The Romans needed coins for one main purpose - to pay the salaries of her huge military force. They were also needed to pay the salaries of her officials and to fund public works and special payments to the poor.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-591-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.C10443
• Date: 29 - 27
  Minted around 29 to 27 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; flan flaw behind head; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. No legend; bare head of Octavian to right / Rev. Military trophy, its base crossed with rudder and anchor and set on prow to right; IMP to left; CAESAR to right
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 265a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.50 x 21.50 mm D / Die Axis: 3.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 265a
  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 29 - 27 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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