Emerita in Hispania, 25-23 BC., Augustus, issued by legate P. Carisius, Semis, cf. RIC 17-19.
Emerita in Hispania, Augustus, issued by legate P. Carisius, 25-23 BC.,
Semis (halved Æ As) (14-28 mm / 6,05 g), copper, axes about medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 30°),
Obv.: [CAESA]R AVG – TRIB[VN(IC) POTES(T)] , bare head of Augustus facing r., dotted border.
Rev.: [P CARISIVS / LE]G / [AV]GVSTI , legend in [three] lines, dotted border.
cf. RIC I, 42, 17-19 (obv. legend variations) (scarce-rare) .
Mint operations in Spain were clearly defined under the legate P. Carisius in 25-20 BC. The colony of Emerita was founded in 25 BC and the legatus Augusti, P. Carisius, received the charge of maintaining the military operations in western Spain. Scholars have accepted the contention that Carisius established a mint there to finance his activities.