Gemini, LLC
Auction 12 11 January 2015
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Augustus. 27 BC-14 AD. Cistophoric tetradrachm, 11.28g (12h). Ephesus, 28 BC. Obv: IMP.CAESAR.DIVI.F.COS.VI.LIBERTATIS P.R.VINDEX Head laureate right, border of dots. Rx: PAX Pax standing left on lighted torch, holding short caduceus; behind her snake emerging from cista; all in laurel wreath. RPC 2203. BM 691. Cohen 218 (40 Fr.). RIC 479 (R2). Nicely toned. EF
Octavian is named "vindicator of the liberty of the Roman people", a year before he was to surrender his illegal powers and accept the name Augustus from the Senate. The flame emerging from the left end of the torch under Pax's feet on the reverse is particularly clear on this example (often it is omitted altogether), justifying Giard's identification of this object as a torch (Paris 908), not a parazonium as suggested by RPC
Octavian is named "vindicator of the liberty of the Roman people", a year before he was to surrender his illegal powers and accept the name Augustus from the Senate. The flame emerging from the left end of the torch under Pax's feet on the reverse is particularly clear on this example (often it is omitted altogether), justifying Giard's identification of this object as a torch (Paris 908), not a parazonium as suggested by RPC