Lot 3637

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia), issued c.19 B.C. (3.83 grams), obv. bare head of Augustus to right around CAESAR [AVGVSTVS], rev. S P Q R on corners around a shield with CL V on shield, to left legionary eagle (Aquila) and to right a standard, SIGNIS above and RECEPTIS below, (S.492, RIC 86a, C.265, BMC 417). Banker's mark C on centre of the reverse, otherwise very fine/good fine and rare.

Ex. B.A. Seaby, London, March 1989. In Augustus's 'Res Gestae' it is stated 'The Parthians I compelled to restore to me the spoils and standards of three Roman armies and to seek the friendship of the Roman People as suppliants'. This coin reverse advertises the return from Parthia of the legionary standards lost by Crassus at Carrhae in 53 B.C.