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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Augustus 356

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Augustus 356. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Augustus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows augustus bust right, on round shield in laurel wreath, with the legend S C OB R P CVM SALVT IMP CAESAR AVGVS CONS.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing left, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, on pedestal inscribed S P Q R V P S PR S ET RED AVG, with the legend L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, was the founder of the Roman Empire and ruled as its first emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. His reign established the principate, an era marked by nominal deference to the Senate alongside de facto autocratic control. Augustus held overarching authority as commander-in-chief of most Roman armies, while maintaining a constitutional façade centered on traditional magistracies and institutions in Rome.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War in approximately 211 BC. The obverse depicts the bust of Augustus on a round shield within a laurel wreath, accompanied by the inscription "S C OB R P CVM SALVT IMP CAESAR AVGVS CONS". The reverse features Mars on a pedestal inscribed "S P Q R V P S PR S ET RED AVG", alongside the moneyer's name in the legend "L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Augustus

Design

Obverse
Augustus bust right, on round shield in laurel wreath
Reverse
Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing left, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, on pedestal inscribed S P Q R V P S PR S ET RED AVG
Obverse legend
S C OB R P CVM SALVT IMP CAESAR AVGVS CONS
Reverse legend
L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Augustus 356
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
S C OB R P CVM SALVT IMP CAESAR AVGVS CONS
Reverse legend to match
L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Source-linked specimen photographs are displayed with per-image credits and rights statements. Photograph availability does not establish permission; review each image’s stated terms and unresolved rights clearance.
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