Lot 2040

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), silver denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia), issued c.18 B.C. (3.76 grams), obv. laureate head of Augustus to right around CAESAR AVGVSTO, rev. domed tetrastyle temple, in which triumphal currus stands to right, shaft up, containing Aquila and four minature galloping horses, SP to left, Q R to right, (S.-, RIC 119, C.279, BMC 385). Slightly off centred on the obverse, very dark patina, otherwise very fine and rare.

Ex. W.Woolmer collection, November 1988. The issue refers to the triumphal chariot voted to Augustus in 19 B.C. on his return from Syria and was evidently kept in the temple of Mars Ultor.