Denarius of Augustus

A detectorist signing himself as Pete asked if I could let him have a valuation on this Roman denarius, which is a recent find from Kent.

Pete’s find is a coin of Augustus, whose dates are 27 BC to 14 AD. This emperor’s birth name was Caius OctaviusThurinus.  After much infighting between those seeking supreme power, he eventually became master of the Roman Empire. In 27 BC he was given the name Augustus and that is how he is best known to history. His period in office was one of peace and prosperity and what became known as the ‘Augustin Age’ was looked back on fondly by later generations.

On the obverse of this denarius is a laureate head facing right and a legend that reads CAESARI AVGVSTO. On the reverse is the domed temple of Mars Ultor flanked by MAR VLT; this had been built to house the legionary standards of Crassus and Antony, which were recovered by Augustus from Phraates of Parthia

In volume I of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values this type of denarius is listed as number 1623. It was struck at Colomia Patricia during 18 BC.  

Valuation

On the obverse there are scratches on the head of the emperor and this side has been struck off centre but it is otherwise in better than Fine condition.  The reverse is also off centre and only about Fine at best. The coin is part of a large issue and isn’t particularly rare. The overall state of preservation leaves something to be desired but the coin should still be worth around £60 to a collector.

Valuation Service

If you would like your coin identified or valued, please read about my valuation service and contact me