Augustus, Quinarius, -25 to -23, Emerita mint, under Publius Carisius, legatus pro praetore

RIC I (second edition) Augustus 1A.

Obv.: AVGVST, Head of Augustus, bare, left.

Rev.: P CARISI LEG, Victory standing right, placing wreath on trophy with dagger and sword at base.

1.81 g

14.4 mm

Ex. Classical Numismatic Group 112 (11 September 2019), lot 580(Hammered 800$US); Ex. Dr. Klaus Berthold Collection (Künker 318, 11 March 2019, lot 966 (Hammered 600€), purchased in May 2003.

In 23 BC, Publius Carisius, pro praetor of Lusitania (northwestern Spain and Portugal), completed the construction of the city of Augusta Emerita, modern Merida. It was founded by Augustus as the capital of Lusitania, and settled by veterans (emeriti) of the fifth and seventh legions. The city was situated at the junction of several important routes and featured a properly fortress-like set of walls with a monumental gate, depicted on this attractive coin. A magnificent theater, still in use today, was added by Marcus Agrippa in 16 BC.(Classical Numismatic Group)

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