Lot 2097

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued 19 B.C. by Q. Rustius, (3.42 grams), obv. jugate busts draped to right of Fortuna Victrix holding patera (nearer) and Fortuna Felix, diademed around Q RVSTIVS [FORTVNAE], below ANTIAT, rev. CAE[SARI AVGVS]TO, EX. SC in exergue, ornamental rectangular altar inscribed FOR RE, (S.-, RIC 322, C.513, BMC 4). Slightly off centred on the reverse, weak in places, otherwise fine and very rare.

It was to the goddess Fortuna that Augustus attributed his successes, and also his recovery from his frequent illnesses. She was worshipped under two aspects, as Fortuna Victrix and Fortuna Felix, hence receiving the name Fortuna Antiates (ANTIAT on the obverse).