Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 304

Obverse

Head of Sol, radiate, right

Reverse

Parthian kneeling right, with standard and vexillum

Historical Note

The recovery of Rome's Parthian standards in 20 BC was one of the greatest propaganda coups of Augustus's reign. The standards lost at Carrhae in 53 BC (where Crassus died) and in later defeats had been a source of national shame for decades. Augustus secured their return diplomatically, but his coinage presented the Parthian king kneeling in submission as if defeated in battle. The Temple of Mars Ultor was built partly to house the recovered standards.