Silver Denarius of Augustus, 3.72 g.

Silver Denarius of Augustus, 3.72 g.

Augustus

19 BCE

Obverse: Bare head of Augustus facing right; CAE[SAR AVG]VSTVS: Caesar Augustus.

Reverse: In round, domed temple with four columns, Mars standing facing left, wearing cloak and helmet and holding standard in right and trophy over left shoulder; MAR(TIS)-VLT(ORIS): of Mars Ultor.

Style/Period: Roman, Empire

The return in 20 BCE of the Roman standards captured by the Parthians (see 91.115) was a victory celebrated by Rome with numerous honors for Augustus, although he refused the full military triumph decreed by the Senate. The Senate nevertheless erected a triple triumphal arch depicting the defeated Parthians and crowned with Augustus in a triumphal chariot. The standards themselves were publicly displayed in a small temple built expressly for the purpose and dedicated to Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger). The standards were usually depicted in the form of the standard for a legion, which consisted of a pole with an eagle on top, although various divisions could also have their own insignia, sometimes in the form of a vexillum or flag (see 91.115). The reverse of this coin depicts one of the standards with its eagle held by the cult statue of Mars in a round, domed structure representing the temple. In his left hand he holds a trophy. No trace of the temple has been found.
--Carol L. Lawton

Bibliography: C.H.V. Sutherland, The Roman Imperial Coinage I: from 31 BC to AD 69, rev. ed. (London 1984) 68.

Former collection of Ottilia Buerger. Bought from Coin Galleries, 1972.

91.111

Wriston Art Center Galleries, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI,wriston-gallery@lawrence.edu,920-832-6890

Roman, Empire, Augustus, dome, temple, columns, Mars, trophy