Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

This silver coin was minted in Spain by the emperor Augustus around 19 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 Augustus facing to the right. The coin is struck off centre, so only part of the legend 'CAESAR [AVGVSTVS]', identifying Augustus and his family name (and also title) of Caesar, survives on this example.

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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