Lot 2115

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia), issued c.18 B.C. (3.594 grams), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right around CAESARI AVGVSTO, rev. domed across MAR VLT, (S.1623, RIC 105a, RSC 190, BMC 373). Attractive dark grey tone, off-centred on the obverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 43, (lot 1940). The issue refers to the legionary standards of Crassus and Antony recovered by Augustus in 19 B.C. from Phraates IV on his return from Syria and was evidently kept in the small temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger).