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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Augustus 421

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Augustus 421. Denomination: Quadrans. Authority: Augustus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows simpulum and lituus, with the legend LAMIA SILIVS ANNIVS.

The reverse shows legend surrounding S C, with the legend IIIVIR A A A F F. The obverse shows simpulum and lituus, with the legend LAMIA SILIVS ANNIVS. The reverse shows legend surrounding S C, with the legend IIIVIR A A A F F.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
12
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 first Roman emperor and the founder of the Roman Empire, ruling from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. His reign established the principate, an era characterised by the Pax Romana and a style of governance where the emperor maintained nominal deference to the Senate while retaining autocratic control.

Produced at the Rome mint, this bronze quadrans was the lowest-valued coin in production following the reduction to the semuncial standard around 90 BC, representing one quarter of an as. Unlike other Roman imperial coinage, the quadrans rarely bore an image of the emperor because of its small size. The obverse features a simpulum and lituus accompanied by the legend "LAMIA SILIVS ANNIVS", while the reverse bears "S C" surrounded by "IIIVIR A A A F F".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Quadrans

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Augustus

Design

Obverse
Simpulum and lituus
Reverse
Legend surrounding S C
Obverse legend
LAMIA SILIVS ANNIVS
Reverse legend
IIIVIR A A A F F

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Augustus 421
Denomination and metal
Quadrans, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
LAMIA SILIVS ANNIVS
Reverse legend to match
IIIVIR A A A F F
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. 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

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Augustus 420

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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