| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 143 | Auction date: 7 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 451 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: The Dioscuri Collection. The Roman Empire. Octavian 32 – 27 and as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD. Colonia Patricia Denarius circa 18-17/16 BC, AR 20 mm, 3.74 g. S·P·Q·R [CAES]ARI – AVGVSTO Bare head r. Rev. QVOD· – VIAE·MVN·[SVNT] Triumphal arch on viaduct, surmounted by Augustus, driving quadriga of horses r.; Victory standing behind Augustus, crowning him; to l. and r. of arches, a rostrum. C 233. BMC 433. RIC 144. CBN 1257. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Good extremely fine Ex NAC sale 106, 2018, 557. Although this denarius is thought to have been struck at a Spanish mint, its types advertise honours voted to Augustus for his extensive work to repair and improve the network of roads used to control the vast Roman Empire. It was through the road system that the imperial centre at Rome could maintain its communications with the provinces and quickly dispatch the legions to trouble spots. Amid the civil wars of the first century BC, many of the roads had fallen into disrepair and Augustus took it upon himself to correct the situation. Under the Republic, the responsibility for the upkeep of roads fell on two groups of minor magistrates, the quattuorviri, four men responsible for the roads in the city of Rome, and the duoviri, two men responsible for the roads outside of Rome. Unhappy with the work of the duoviri, Augustus abolished their office of the duoviri and assumed authority as commissioner of roads at his own personal expense. The present coin celebrates the conclusion of his restoration work on the Via Flaminia, one of the most important roads in Italy. This road linked Rome to Arminium (modern Rimini) and to other riverine and road networks. At each end of the completed road, a triumphal arch was constructed at each end to advertise great work and outlay of funds that had been involved. It is not clear whether the triumphal arch depicted on the reverse of this coin represents one of the actual arches constructed at the termini of the via Flaminia or if it is only an imagined arch serving as an allegory for the "triumph" of completing the road restoration, as is sometimes suggested. Since this coin was probably struck at a Spanish mint, it is not clear that the engraver would have ever seen either of the arches for the via Flaminia, although he was obviously aware that the road had arches and a dedication honouring the emperor for his road work. Estimate: 3000 CHF |  |
