Denarius (Coin) Portraying Octavian

Art Institute of Chicago

Denarius (Coin) Portraying Octavian

RomanLinkedCulture matchlcp-e70b76de214d

Date
32-29 BCE
Medium
Silver
Culture
Italy
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Institution
Art Institute of Chicago
Object ID
9949

From the Art Institute of Chicago record

The purpose of the first portrait coins was to identify the ruler. The front side became a mirror of the sovereign’s self-image. The back was often used to communicate the ruler’s accomplishments or intentions. The profile portrait was used because it suited the very shallow depth and limited surface of the coin. The tiny images were carved by engravers into bronze dies, one for the front and another for the back. The coins were then struck, one by one, in a process similar to how modern coins are created today. The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the Emperor Octavius facing right. The back (reverse) depicts the god Apollo playing a lyre.

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Provenance & credit

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Credit line
Gift of Mrs. William Nelson Pelouze
Provenance
Mrs. William Nelson (Helen T.) Pelouze (1866-1953), Chicago; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1923.

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Object type
AAT300037334

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