Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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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.

The designs on coins of the Roman Republic were chosen by individual moneyers, who often commemorated their own families. Coins of the Empire, however, focussed on the emperor and his family. Almost all gold and silver coins feature the head of the emperor or his family on the obverse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-654-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.C10430
• Date: 19
  Minted around 19 BC
  
• Material: Silver; oval flan; obverse slightly off-centre; worn. Inscription: Obv. [CAESAR] AVGVSTVS; bare head of Augustus to right / Rev. OB / CIVIS / SERVATOS within oak-wreath, its ties bent upwards
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 77a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 16.50 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 77a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Augustus
  
• Where: Roman Empire
  Spain (uncertain mint 2)
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Augustus, Rome, minted in Spain at uncertain mint 2, c 19 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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