Description

Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D. Denarius, Colonia Patricia or Nemausus, 19-18 B.C. Laureate bust right / CAESAR AVGVSTVS The clipeus virtutis (honorary shield) between two laurel branches SPQR at the four corners. AR 3.77gr. BMC 354; RIC I 36a p.44; Sear 1602. A superb coin, beautifully styled and finely patinated. Noble Numismatics sale 113 (2016) 4793; Noble Numismatics sale 45 (1994) 1788. This exceptionally stylish coin was minted in one of the coin workshops of the western Empire, probably Colonia Patricia (Cordoba) or Nemausus (Nîmes). Historically, this coin is very important. The shield on the reverse is the “Clipeus Virtutis”, shield of valor, one of the honors bestowed by the Senate on Augustus in 27 BC, at the creation of the Empire. An inscription in marble was found in Arles, which reads: “The Senate and the Roman people grant Caesar, son of God Caesar, consul for the 8th time, the shield for his courage, clemency, justice and piety”. The shield was displayed in the Curia Julia, and Augustus had the right to place laurel branches on either side of his door. Inventory D23022.5