Lot 1188
Augustus. Silver Denarius (3.75 g), 27 BC-AD 14. Tarraco(?), ca. 18 BC. S P Q R IMP CAESARI AVG COS XI TRI POT VI, bare head of Augustus right. Rev. CIVIB ET SIGN MILIT A PART RECVPE, triumphal arch of Augustus with emperor in facing quadriga above central arch between two soldiers standing facing him, the one on the left raising a standard, the one on the right raising a legionary eagle. (RIC 137 (Colonia Patricia?); BN 1232; BMC 428; RSC 84). Boldly struck on a lovely full flan and well centered. Lustrous surfaces, lightly toned. Superb extremely fine. Estimate $2,500UP
The reverse type depicts the Arcus Augusti, a triumphal arch erected in AD 19 to commemorate the return of the legionary standards captured by the Parthians from Crassus at the disastrous battle of Carrhae in 63 BC. The two soldiers flanking the emperor on the top of the arch are Parthian warriors shown presenting the standards to Augustus. Interestingly, while the use of the triumphal arch gave the impression that Augustus had reclaimed the standards through military victory, they were in fact returned as part of a bloodless diplomatic settlement.
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| Realized $4,425 |
