Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 287

Obverse

Head of Liber, ivy-wreathed, right

Reverse

Parthian kneeling right, extending standard with X-marked vexillum with right hand and holding out left hand

Historical Note

In 20 BC Augustus achieved through diplomacy what Julius Caesar and Crassus had failed to secure by force: the return of the Roman military standards captured by Parthia at Carrhae (53 BC) and in subsequent defeats. The Parthian king Phraates IV surrendered the standards without a battle. Augustus presented this as a military triumph — coins show the Parthian kneeling in submission, offering the standard. The recovered standards were housed in the Temple of Mars Ultor in the Forum of Augustus. This was among Augustus's most effective pieces of propaganda.