Lot 2214
Augustus. Silver Denarius (3.98 g), 27 BC-AD 14. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head of Augustus right. Reverse: IMP X in exergue, Augustus, bare-headed and togate, seated left on curule chair set on daïs, extending hand toward two soldiers, each carrying parazonium and presenting laurel branches. RIC 165a; Lyon 13; BMC 445-6; RSC 133. Wonderful old cabinet tone. NGC grade Ch XF*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Fine style. Estimate Value $3,000 - 3,500
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection. Purchased privately from E. Waddell.
The reverse of this denarius is thought to celebrate victories won over the Raeti (a confederation of Alpine tribes of probable Etruscan origin) and their northern Celtic neighbors, the Vindelici, by Augustus' stepsons Drusus and Tiberius in 15 BC. Here, however, Augustus takes all the credit. The Emperor, not his stepsons and skilled commanders, appears seated on a curule chair set up on a daïs while two armed figures approach to present laurel branches in supplication. The figures probably serve as personifications of the Raeti and the Vindelici. Their conquered territories were governed as two distinct provinces until the late first century AD when they were amalgamated as the province of Raetia.
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| Realized $4,230 |
