Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 306

Obverse

Bust of Virtus, draped, right, with feathered helmet

Reverse

Armenian kneeling right, extending both hands

Historical Note

The Armenian settlement of 20 BC accompanied the Parthian standards recovery. Augustus installed Tigranes as client king of Armenia, restoring Roman influence in the region without military conflict. Like the Parthian coins, these present a diplomatic settlement in the visual language of military submission — the kneeling Armenian figure implies conquest rather than negotiation.