coin

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Object Type
Museum number: 1843,0116.940
Denomination: quinarius
Description: Silver coin. (whole); Open right hand, left. (obverse); Victory, draped, standing right on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand. (reverse)
State
Authority: Ruler: Augustus (Octavian); Moneyer: L Pinarius Scarpus
Cultures/periods
Production date: 31BC-29BC
Production place: Minted in: Cyrenaica (archaic)
Materials
Dimensions: Die-axis: 12 o'clock; Weight: 1.40 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: L. Pinarius Scarpus commanded Antony's four legions in Cyrenaica. After learning of Antony's defeat at Actium, Scarpus changed his allegiance to Octavian. This issue was struck shortly after the battle of Actium, the open hand signifying a gesture of friendship toward Octavian.
Bibliographic references: RE1 / Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, vol. 1: Augustus to Vitellius (688, p.111); RIC1 / The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 1 (532, p.84) (type); RR2 / Coins of the Roman Republic in the British Museum, vol. 2. Coinages of Rome (continued), Roman Campania, Italy, the social war, and the provinces. (8, p.586)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: symbol; allegory/personification; classical deity
Associated names: Named in inscription: Augustus (Octavian); Representation of: Nike/Victoria/Victory; Named in inscription: L Pinarius Scarpus
Acquisition name: Purchased from: Dr Nott; Purchased through: Sotheby's (30/5/1842)
Acquisition date: 1843
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: 1843,0116.940
C&M catalogue number: RE1 (111) (688); RR2 (586) (8)

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