COIN (ROMAN)
The coin is a Roman Republican silver denarius of Octavian issued in 36 BC, RRC 540/2. 

Obverse legend: IMP·CAESAR·DIVI·[F·I]II·VI[R·ITER·R·P·C]

Description: Head of Octavian right, bearded; around, inscription. 

Reverse legend: [DIVO·IVL] COS·ITER·ET·[TER·DESIG]

Description: Tetrastyle temple; within, figure wearing veil and holding lituus in right hand; on architrave, inscription; within pediment, star; on left, lighted altar; around, inscription. 

Weight 3.20g, 19.4mm diameter

AT BRITISH MUSEUM - C&M 

Pierced coin

Date of discovery: 

Circumstances of discover: Whilst metal detecting

Finder's first and last name: Andrew Bassett

Finder's email address: andrwbs@aol.com 

Landowner's first and last name: Mr Gerald Norgrove,

Landowner's email address: Cross Farm, Romsley, Shropshire

Parish: Romsey

County: Shropshire

Grid ref: TBC

To be known as (if applicable): Romsey 

Coroner's name: John Ellery

Object type and number: pierced Roman coin

PAS Database reference: 

Was this an undisturbed hoard or assemblage? No

If so, did the finder request archaeological assistance? No 

Other info about the object (speculative or otherwise): T report attached from Eleanor 
Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Octavian
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Obverse: Head of Octavian right, bearded; around, inscription.
Obverse legend: IMP·CAESAR·DIVI·[F·I]II·VI[R·ITER·R·P·C]
Reverse: Tetrastyle temple; within, figure wearing veil and holding lituus in right hand; on architrave, inscription; within pediment, star; on left, lighted altar; around, inscription.
Reverse legend: [DIVO·IVL] COS·ITER·ET·[TER·DESIG]
Dated: -36.0 to -36.0
Weight (g): 3.2
Diameter (mm): 19.4
Completeness: Complete
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Shropshire
County: Shropshire
Region: West Midlands
Place known as: Romsley
Discovery method: Metal detector
RRC reference: rrc-540.2
Notes: The coin has been pierced at 5 o’clock on the obverse (die axis 5) and the piercing appears to be ancient. The coin shows signs of wear and has also been deeply scored on the obverse with a series of about 5 parallel diagonal lines and one line crossing on the other diagonal. This seems to be deliberate defacement and could relate to a phase of secondary use such as ritualised removal from circulation. Similar damage has been reported on coins from Piercebridge, see PAS database: FAPJW-12C023, BM-F5C005 and FAPJW-CF25A7.