Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXII 7-8 Oct 2021
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Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 16 BC. L. Vinicius, moneyer. Bare head to right / Triumphal arch, surmounted by facing quadriga in which Augustus stands, holding laurel branch and sceptre; smaller arch on either side, surmounted by archer on left and by slinger (?) on right; S•P•Q•R IMP CAE in two lines on entablature of arch, L•VINICIVS in exergue. RIC I 359; BMCRE 77; RSC 544. 3.92g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Rare, and in superb condition for the type.
Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG;
Ex Collection of a Hanseatic Romanophile;
Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 269, 23 September 2010, lot 2670.
This type depicts the Arch of Augustus in the Forum Romanum, which spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Caesar, and was built in 20/19 BC to commemorate the return from Parthia of the lost standards of Crassus. Though little remains of the arch today, its identification is certain, thanks to an inscription found at this location in 1546. This inscription is significant, as it records a dedication to Augustus in 29 BC, and since no remains of a second arch of Augustus have been found in the Forum, this has led many to conclude that this 'Parthian Arch' was an expansion or replacement of the old Actian Arch (see RIC 267, CRI 422) set up in 29 BC, which commemorated the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and which was almost certainly considered distasteful for celebrating a victory over other Romans.
The appearance of the arch must be deduced from the numismatic record, since it is not anywhere described in the historical texts. The present type is thus an important archaeological document, allowing for the reconstruction of an early Imperial monument which is otherwise survived only by partial travertine foundations and some marble fragments which have been set atop them in modern brick beds.
Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Rare, and in superb condition for the type.
Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG;
Ex Collection of a Hanseatic Romanophile;
Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 269, 23 September 2010, lot 2670.
This type depicts the Arch of Augustus in the Forum Romanum, which spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Caesar, and was built in 20/19 BC to commemorate the return from Parthia of the lost standards of Crassus. Though little remains of the arch today, its identification is certain, thanks to an inscription found at this location in 1546. This inscription is significant, as it records a dedication to Augustus in 29 BC, and since no remains of a second arch of Augustus have been found in the Forum, this has led many to conclude that this 'Parthian Arch' was an expansion or replacement of the old Actian Arch (see RIC 267, CRI 422) set up in 29 BC, which commemorated the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and which was almost certainly considered distasteful for celebrating a victory over other Romans.
The appearance of the arch must be deduced from the numismatic record, since it is not anywhere described in the historical texts. The present type is thus an important archaeological document, allowing for the reconstruction of an early Imperial monument which is otherwise survived only by partial travertine foundations and some marble fragments which have been set atop them in modern brick beds.