Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

Add to album

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 legend 'CAESAR AVGVSTVS' identifies the emperor. Corrosion has damaged the hair and ear of the portrait. There was no single title 'Emperor' in imperial Rome. Instead, emperors assumed or were given a number of titles. Octavian assumed the title Augustus in 27 BC, and was known by it thereafter. Caesar was his family name, but it came to be used as a title by later emperors.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-563-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.1959.534
• Date: 19
  Minted in 19 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse off-centre, obverse slightly; corrosion damage on hair and ear, and some pitting on reverse; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS; bare head of Augustus to right / Rev. Round shield inscribed CL V; S P / Q R around shield; SIGN
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 86a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised ed) 86a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Augustus
  
• Where: Roman Empire
  Spain
  
• 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:
• Related Records:
  • Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus