- Minted at Emerita (25–23 BC) by Publius Charisius, with IMP CAESAR AVGVST on the obverse and P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR on the reverse.
- Military iconography: caetra, spear and curved weapon or trophy of Celtiberian weapons, as propaganda of the victory over the Asturians.
- Technical data: silver, hammered, weights around 3,64–3,8 g, diameter close to 18 mm; references RIC-4b, Cal-405, Ffc-255.
Anyone who delves into Hispano-Roman numismatics will sooner or later encounter a piece that, due to its historical significance and iconography, captivates at first glance: the denarius of Augustus minted in Emerita (Mérida) under the authority of Publius Carisius. This coin was created at a pivotal moment, following the founding of the veterans' colony in 25 BC, when Roman power sought to assert its authority in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Beyond its beauty, this denarius is a political document. It brings together Latin legends, military symbols, and direct references to the campaigns against the Cantabrians and Asturians, all concentrated on a small silver blank that today speaks to us of propaganda, the army, and monetary administration in Augustan Hispania. And yes, it does so with the forcefulness of an impeccable obverse and a reverse that pulls no punches.
Historical context: Emerita Augusta and Publius Carisius
Publius Carisius, Octavian's (the future Augustus) legate in Lusitania, was a key figure in the pacification of the western Iberian Peninsula. He is associated with the founding of Emerita Augusta in 25 BC, a colony for veterans that consolidated Roman control of the territory and became a regional center for minting coins. Within this context, between 25 and 23 BC, the denarius in question was minted, explicitly linked to Carisius by a magistracy inscription: P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR.
These coins are not neutral; they commemorate and narrate. They are part of Augustus's policy of celebrating victory, in this case against the Astures and, by extension, against other northern peoples with a warrior tradition. From Mérida, the coinage disseminated an unequivocal message: the conquest was complete and Roman order was assured. Therefore, its reverse is not decorative; it is a war report in silver.
Numismatic description: obverse and reverse
The obverse features a portrait of the princeps. The main legend is IMP CAESAR AVGVST, faithful to the customs of the time. In some examples, the bare head of Augustus is depicted facing right, in others left—a workshop variation that does not alter the political interpretation of the bust. Thus, imperial authority occupies the center of the visual field while the text abbreviates titles and name. The combination of image and legend reinforces the idea of legitimacy and victory.
On the reverse, things become more explicit: the formula P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR appears, identifying Publius Carisius as legate propraetor, along with a military ensemble with clear symbolic intent. In one variant, a light shield—the famous caetra—is flanked by a spear and what is usually interpreted as a falcata on the right. In another, a Celtiberian trophy of arms is displayed atop a pile of shields, a very Roman triumphal image. The message: the vanquished enemy has laid down his weapons at the feet of Roman authority.
Weapons and visual ethnography: caetra, falcata and spears
The caetra on the reverse is not an artistic whim; it evokes the light shield characteristic of the Celtiberians, Cantabrians, Asturians, and Gallaecians. This allusion allows us to read the coin as part of an iconographic program that portrays the adversary through the symbols of their material culture. It is no coincidence that a type from Mérida incorporates these references: from Mérida, the display of a triumph that affected the entire northwest was orchestrated, with symbols recognizable to contemporaries.
The presence of the falcata, however, has generated debate among specialists. No clear association of this weapon with strictly Asturian territory has been documented, so its appearance could be due to two factors: either the existence of mixed contingents—something likely in indigenous armies—or a synthetic representation of "Hispanic" elements that the workshop chose to quickly convey an idea of ferocity and resistance. In simple terms, the engraver speaks in a visual language that the entire imperial audience understands, even if the ethnographic detail is not precise.
Added to this is the reference to "daggers with curved edges," weapons of indigenous tradition adopted by the Roman army in Hispania. This appropriation is also interpreted as a message: Rome integrates and transforms what it conquers. The reverse side, with its spear and the indigenous panoply in a subordinate position, encapsulates the incorporation of the northern Iberian Peninsula into the imperial order, a narrative told through images straight out of a propaganda textbook.
Metrological data and manufacturing technique
The denarii of this issue were minted in silver and, as was customary, by hammer. The surviving figures place the weight of one example at around 3,8 grams, and another at 3,64 grams and 18 millimeters in diameter—values fully consistent with late Republican and Augustan standards. In some cases, it is noted that the coin retains some of its original luster, a sign of well-prepared silver and relatively undamaged circulation. This luster, when documented, is valued as an attribute of preservation, as it indicates fresh and relatively unaltered surfaces.
The hammering process leaves subtle traces: slight misalignments, edges that aren't always perfect, and even minimal variations in the bust's orientation between dies. These features aren't defects in themselves, but rather the imprint of a handcrafted process that adds character to each piece. The Mérida mint, recently reactivated after the colony's founding, must have worked with a combination of experienced personnel and local resources, resulting in clear types and distinct legends.
Variants, legends, and catalog references
Although the core type is clear, two positions of Augustus's portrait are documented on the obverse: facing right (more common in the official tradition) and facing left (barehead), both with the abbreviated legend IMP CAESAR AVGVST. On the reverse, the reading P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR is consistent, although the arms composition can be interpreted as a caetra flanked by a spear and curved weapon or as a complete trophy on shields. This iconographic flexibility is due to different dies used for the same series.
The specialized literature accompanying one of the consulted examples includes references such as Ffc-255, RIC-4b, and Cal-405, along with a modern inventory number, 2021-6287 (SL1119-426). These keys allow the collector to compare the type in repertoires and catalogs. Anyone cataloging their piece will appreciate having these citations, as they facilitate comparison with other examples and the identification of variants, something essential when dealing with early issues from a newly established mint.
Purpose and circulation: from camp to city
The silver denarius was the standard payment for legionary troops and also circulated in civilian circles. This dual existence—military and urban—explains its power as a means of propaganda: each transaction reinforced the message of both the obverse and the reverse. In practical terms, the soldier received his pay bearing the image of Augustus and the signature of Carisius, and the merchant accepted a coin that proclaimed the victory of the power that guaranteed his security. It is difficult to imagine a more effective vehicle for disseminating a political narrative.
In western Hispania, the colony of Emerita functioned as an economic and administrative center, with routes connecting it to the rest of the province. The fact that this denarius originated there underscores Mérida's role as a bridgehead in the Romanization of the west, integrating veterans, infrastructure, and currency to forge a stable provincial economy.
The mirror of a sister piece: the dupondius of Emerita
The coinage of Mérida is not limited to denarii. Another remarkable piece, the dupondius from the Augustan period, offers an urban and riverine "landscape" that engages with the denarius from a different perspective. Its obverse features a frontal bust of the river god, with an amphora pouring water before its mouth; the legend PERMISSV CAESARIS AVGVSTI frames the scene. The reverse shows a city gate with the inscription EMERIT, flanked by the same imperial permission legend. This 20,07g coin is cataloged as very rare (FAB-1003), originally described in a "Hispania Antigua" entry with automatic translation into another language. This piece emphasizes the civic dimension of the colony, while the denarius underscores the military, together forming a complete portrait of Emerita.
While the dupondius celebrates infrastructure—water and city walls—and the emperor's permission to organize urban life, the denarius proclaims military success. The combination suggests a deliberate iconographic strategy: a secure and well-supplied city, victory on the frontiers, and legitimacy emanating from Augustus. It's a program easily understood by both veterans and local inhabitants, with clear and legible symbols.
Critical reading of iconography: heterogeneity and propaganda
The appearance of a falcata in an Asturian context might seem jarring at first glance, but the coin is not intended to be an exhaustive catalog of regional weapons. It functions as a collage of indigenous motifs that the average viewer associated with Spanish warfare. Furthermore, sources indicate that indigenous armies could have included contingents from diverse origins, which would explain the presence of mixed weaponry. In this sense, the reverse resolves a tension: it must be both faithful to reality and communicatively effective.
In fact, the trophy of arms on shields is a long-standing Roman motif, adapted to each provincial setting with local touches. The presence of the caetra guarantees a nod to the Northwest; the spear and the curved weapon underscore the danger posed by the opponent; the ensemble, depicted at the feet of the legend of Carisius, brings the narrative to a close: the war has ended in Rome's favor, and this is certified by hard currency.
Conservation, patina and details of the specimen
Among the metrological data found, one of the denarii weighs 3,64 g and measures 18 mm, with the observation that it retains some of its minting luster. This detail is relevant: it indicates surfaces that are not excessively worn, something highly valued by collectors in ancient silver. Meanwhile, the weight range up to 3,8 g in other examples reflects mint tolerances and uneven circulation. Any analysis of an Emeritan denarius should consider the condition of the legends—looking for clearly legible IMP CAESAR AVGVST and P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR—and the integrity of the iconography on the reverse.
In hand, details such as the shape of the caetra, the curvature of the weapon, and the design of the spear help to attribute dies or, at least, to place the specimen within a specific variant. Likewise, the position of Augustus's head (right or left) can guide comparison with catalogs such as RIC-4b or Cal-405, always useful for corroborating the type against published parallels.
Useful notes for the collector: shipping and community
Aside from the coin itself, it's worth paying attention to the logistical information that sometimes accompanies numismatic sales. Many retailers indicate that all shipments under €350 are sent via registered mail; for higher amounts, they use courier services such as NACEX, FedEx, or UPS. Regarding shipping rates, some listings offer €10 for domestic shipping and €15 for international shipping, while others indicate free domestic shipping and €25 for international shipping. This variation suggests reviewing each listing individually and confirming the costs before finalizing the purchase, especially if it's a denarius of significant historical interest.
To resolve doubts or compare pieces, the numismatic ecosystem offers specialized forums for the study and identification of coins, banknotes, and related objects. These collaborative spaces allow users to upload photographs, discuss variants, and compare legends. Participating with clear images of the obverse and reverse, weight, and diameter increases the chances of obtaining an accurate attribution, especially when analyzing a specimen with unusual minting details.
Digital transparency: notes on cookies on e-commerce sites
When browsing numismatic sales or information websites, it's common to encounter cookie notices. A distinction is usually made between technical and personalization cookies—necessary for the site to function and not disabled from the user's system—and third-party cookies, designed to analyze site usage, store preferences, and serve relevant content or advertisements. These latter cookies are generally installed only with the user's consent, who can enable or disable categories as desired. Understanding these options helps manage browsing without losing key functionalities and while maintaining a balance between privacy and usability.
The texts typically provide detailed information about each cookie category, with links to comprehensive policies. It's advisable to read them, decide on a level of consent that suits you, and remember that you can always review and modify these preferences later. For collectors who compare prices, catalogs, and photographs, this conscious cookie management can improve the experience without sacrificing control over their browsing data.
How to recognize the type of Emerita in practice
A quick identification check: On the obverse, look for the legend IMP CAESAR AVGVST around the head of Augustus—naked—with a possible variation in orientation. On the reverse, confirm the reading P. CARISIVS LEG PRO PR and determine whether the motif is the caetra with spear and curved weapon or the trophy of arms on shields. Ensure the style is consistent with a Hispanic mint from the late 1st century BC, with firm engraving, clear Roman type, and a balanced composition of fields.
The dimensions and weight will help solidify the attribution: values around 3,6–3,8 g in silver and a diameter close to 18 mm fit well with the documented information. If the specimen retains its original luster, all the better; if not, a uniform patina and complete legends are essential. Where applicable, note references such as RIC-4b, Cal-405, or Ffc-255, and retain any attached inventory numbers, such as 2021-6287 (SL1119-426), as all this traceability is valuable when studying or revaluing the coin.
Why does this denarius matter today?
This denarius not only paid for past soldiers: it provides information for the present. Thanks to it, we can confirm the involvement of Publius Carisius, the Augustan communication apparatus, and the visual record of the northern wars. The light shield, the spear, and the curved weapon bridge the gap between the indigenous and Roman worlds, and the legend of Carisius unequivocally establishes administrative responsibility. If we add the existence of other coins minted in Mérida—such as the dupondius of the river god and the city gate—the picture is complete: Emerita was simultaneously a military barracks, a city, and a mint, and coinage was its most effective mouthpiece, repeated thousands of times in the hands of civilians and soldiers, with a clarity that we can still read today in antique silver.
All of the above paints a clear picture: few pieces manage to better encapsulate a specific political and military juncture. Between 25 and 23 BC, with the newly founded colony, Emerita began to tell its story in precious metal. The presence of the bust of Augustus, the nominal authority of Carisius, and the surrendered indigenous panoply constitute a sequence of three striking visuals that explain what happened, who ordered it, and who was defeated. No longer inscription is needed: the denarius speaks for itself, and its voice, two millennia later, continues to resonate with the same blend of firmness and beauty that justifies why it is, for many, one of the essential coins of Hispano-Roman numismatics.
