minted somewhere in Italy

Coin (obverse), Quinarius, of Augustus

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:	0504: 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
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.
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