coin

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Object Type: coin
Museum number: R.5990
Denomination: aureus
Description: Gold coin. (whole); Head of Augustus, bare, right. (obverse); Circular domed temple, showing four columns and containing figure of Mars Ultor, helmeted, standing left; holding aquila in right hand and standard in left hand, over left shoulder. (reverse)
State: Associated with: Roman Empire Ancient Greece and Rome: Roman Empire
Authority: Ruler: Augustus (Octavian)
Cultures/periods: Roman Imperial
Production date: 19BC
Production place: Minted in: Spain; Minted in: Colonia Patricia (historic - city) (possibly)
Materials: gold
Dimensions: Diameter: 20 millimetres; Weight: 7.860 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: Mars Ultor holds the legionary standards of Crassus and Antony recovered by Augustus from Phraates IV of Parthia in 20 BC.
Bibliographic references: RE1 / Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, vol. 1: Augustus to Vitellius (366, p.65); RIC1 / The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 1 (68, p.46); 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. (4408, p.27)
Location: Not on display
Exhibition history: Exhibited: 2021-2022 27 July-21 March, London, BM G69a, Rivalling Rome: Parthian coins and culture (unable to open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions)
Subjects: emperor/empress; temple; classical deity
Associated names: Named in inscription & portrayed: Augustus (Octavian); Named in inscription & portrayed: Ares/Mars
Associated places: Topographic representation of: Temple of Mars the Avenger (historic - Monte Capitolino)
Acquisition date: 1799
Department: Money and Medals
Registration number: R.5990
C&M catalogue number: RE1 (65) (366); RR2 (27) (4408)

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