Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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, looking to the right. The coin has been struck off centre.

At the end of the civil wars precipitated by the death of Caesar in 44 BC, the Roman system of minting coins was in shambles. Individual contenders had minted their own coinage from a variety of places to pay their troops. After his decisive victory in 31 BC, Octavian had to rebuild the economy.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-589-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.463
• Date: c. 32 - 29 BC
  Minted around 32 to 29 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv.: no legend; bare head right. Rev.: CAESAR DIVI F, across field; Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath and palm
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 254a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 21.00 x 20.00 mm; weight 3.61 g; die axis 8.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 254a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who: Augustus (Emperor)
  
• Where: Italy
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Augustus, Roman Empire, minted in Italy, c. 32-29 BC
  
• References:
  • I.A. Carradice, 'A Catalogue of Roman Coins in the Collections of the RSM, Edinburgh', No. 1 
  • 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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