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coin
Object Type
coin
Museum number
1900,0707.356
Denomination
sestertius
Description
Copper alloy coin.
(whole)
Head of Augustus, bare, right.
(obverse)
Inscription in circle of dots within laurel-wreath.
(reverse)
State
Associated with:
Roman Empire
Ancient Greece and Rome: Roman Empire
Authority
Ruler:
Augustus (Octavian)
Cultures/periods
Roman Imperial
Production date
25BC
(about)
Production place
Minted in:
Asia (Roman Province)
Minted in:
Pergamon
(possibly)
Materials
copper alloy
Dimensions
Die-axis:
12 o'clock
Weight:
19.55 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments
This CA in wreath type is thought to be attributable to the mint at Pergamum. The exact meaning of CA on this coinage is not known. RPC suggests that C(aesar) A(ugustus) is perhaps the best explanation, although some believe that CA is a representation of honorific wreaths to Augustus by the C(ommune) A(siae). This issue was the first portrait sestertius of the new ruler.
Bibliographic references
RE1 / Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, vol. 1: Augustus to Vitellius
(717, p.116)
RPC1 / Roman provincial coinage. Vol.1, From the death of Caesar to the death of Vitellius (44 BC-AD 69)
(2233/5)
RIC1 / The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 1
(501, p.82)
(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.
(269, p.542)
Location
Not on display
Subjects
emperor/empress
symbol
Associated names
Named in inscription & portrayed:
Augustus (Octavian)
Acquisition name
Purchased through:
Rollin & Feuardent
Purchased from:
Rev H C Reichardt
Previous owner
Previous owner/ex-collection:
Rev H C Reichardt
Acquisition date
1900
Acquisition notes
316 on ticket
Department
Money and Medals
Registration number
1900,0707.356
C&M catalogue number
RE1
(116)
(717)
RR2
(542)
(269)