Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Augustus

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This silver coin was minted at Lugdunum (Lyons) by the emperor Augustus between 15 BC and 13 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 the emperor Augustus looking to the right. The legend 'AVGVSTVS DIVI F' identifies him and refers to his title as 'son of a god'. Augustus was the adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar, who had been proclaimed a god shortly after his death.

The foundation of the Roman imperial coinage system was the denarius. Alongside this there was a limited gold series, based on the aureus, and a base metal series based on the sestertius. A denarius was of high value, equivalent to a soldier's daily wage.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-629-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.1932.466
• Date: 15 - 13 BC
  Minted between 15 and 13 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv.: AVGVSTVS DIVI F; bare head right. Rev.: IMP . X in exergue; bull butting to right
  Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 167a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 18.00 x 19.00 mm; weight 3.61 g; die axis 6.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC I (revised edition) 167a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who: Augustus (Emperor)
  
• Where: France, Lyons
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Augustus, Roman Empire, minted at Lyons, 15-13 BC
  
• References:
  • I.A. Carradice, 'A Catalogue of Roman Coins in the Collections of the RSM, Edinburgh', No. 10 
  • 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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