coin

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Object Type
Museum number: 1904,0203.52
Denomination: quadrans
Description: Copper alloy coin. (whole); Inscription. (obverse); Garlanded altar (with bowl-shaped top). (reverse)
State
Authority: Ruler: Augustus (Octavian); Moneyer: P Betilienus Bassus
Cultures/periods
Production date: 4BC
Production place: Minted in: Rome (city)
Materials
Dimensions: Die-axis: 1 o'clock; Weight: 2.52 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: Augustus reopened the mint of Rome in 18 BC and reconstituted the board of three moneyers (as opposed to the earlier four). This is signified by the reverse legend, where the generic part after the moneyer's name stands for the Latin tres viri "auro argento aere flando feriundo" (AAAFF). Four moneyers were appointed to hold office each year in 5 and 4 BC, though curiously they continued to style themselves "tres viri" (IIIVIR). The issues of 5 BC are bewilderingly complex, exhibiting a multitude of combinations of the four names on obverse and reverse.
Bibliographic references: RE1 / Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, vol. 1: Augustus to Vitellius (266, p.49); RIC1 / The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 1 (465, p.78) (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. (4708, p.110)
Location: Not on display
Subjects
Associated names
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1904
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: 1904,0203.52
C&M catalogue number: RE1 (49) (266); RR2 (110) (4708)

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