Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XV 5 Apr 2018
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Augustus Æ Dupondius. Uncertain mint in northwestern(?) Spain, circa 27-23 BC. IMP AVG DIVI F, bare head left; palm to left, winged caduceus to right / Celt-Iberian shield. RPC I 3; SNG Copenhagen 413. 10.91g, 26mm.
Extremely Fine; beautiful light green patina. Very Rare; one of the finest known examples of this issue.
Ex European private collection.
It is possible that the coinage listed in RPC under the title of 'uncertain mint' in northwestern Spain was actually a Roman Imperial coinage similar to that of the legate Publius Carisius struck in Emerita during the Cantabrian War (29-19 BC), with which this coin shares similarities in style and obverse titulature. The lack of identification with a city or dynast (besides Augustus) strengthens the case that this coin is a military issue commemorating the war and displaying a shield of the enemy on the reverse. The Cantabri fought off the Romans with guerrilla tactics and skill with light armour, requiring the strength of eight legions and auxiliary troops to finally be defeated. Augustus himself began the campaign from Segisama in 26 BC but was forced to retire due to ill-health, leaving his legates Caius Antistius Vetus and Publius Carisius to finish the job.
Extremely Fine; beautiful light green patina. Very Rare; one of the finest known examples of this issue.
Ex European private collection.
It is possible that the coinage listed in RPC under the title of 'uncertain mint' in northwestern Spain was actually a Roman Imperial coinage similar to that of the legate Publius Carisius struck in Emerita during the Cantabrian War (29-19 BC), with which this coin shares similarities in style and obverse titulature. The lack of identification with a city or dynast (besides Augustus) strengthens the case that this coin is a military issue commemorating the war and displaying a shield of the enemy on the reverse. The Cantabri fought off the Romans with guerrilla tactics and skill with light armour, requiring the strength of eight legions and auxiliary troops to finally be defeated. Augustus himself began the campaign from Segisama in 26 BC but was forced to retire due to ill-health, leaving his legates Caius Antistius Vetus and Publius Carisius to finish the job.