Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 292

Obverse

Head of Liber, ivy-wreathed, right

Reverse

Armenian, wearing tiara and robe, kneeling right, extending both hands

Historical Note

The kneeling Armenian in tiara marks the settlement of Armenia in 20 BC, when Augustus installed Tigranes as client king and restored Roman influence. The kneeling posture presents a diplomatic settlement in the language of military conquest — Augustus consistently framed his eastern negotiations as victories on his coins.