Coin (obverse), Quinarius, 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 quinarius, worth half of a denarius which was the standard silver coin in use for most of Rome's history. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the bare head of Octavian looking to the right. He is identified by the legend 'CAESAR IMP. VII' which refers to his family name and title Caesar, and the fact that he was proclaimed Imperator (military leader) for the 7th time.

Roman troops gave the title Imperator to a victorious general. Augustus was given the title 21 times in his long career, the first time in 43 BC.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-675-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.C10444
• Date: 29 - 27
  Minted around 29 to 27 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. CAESAR IMP . VII; bare head of Octavian to right / Rev. Victory, draped, standing left, holding wreath and palm, on cista mystica between 2 snakes; ASIA on right; RECEPT [A] on left
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 276
  Coin, quinarius
  
• Dimensions: 14.00 x 13.50 mm D / Die Axis: 9.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 276
  Coin, quinarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Augustus
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy (uncertain mint)
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver quinarius 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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