Augustus (Divus, after 14 AD).. AE Dupondius, struck under Tiberius, c. 22-23 AD

Live auction Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, from 3:00 pm.

Spectacular Vesta Shrine

Lot # 414

Augustus (Divus, after 14 AD). AE Dupondius, struck under Tiberius, c. 22-23 AD. Obv. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER. Radiate head of Augustus left. Rev. S – C. Hexastyle temple with sharply domed roof surmounted by standing figure and flanked by columns bearing calf on left and lamb on right. RIC I (2nd ed.) (Tib.) 74; C. 251. AE. 11.39 g. 30.00 mm. RR. Very rare and fascinating issue. A superb example, gently smoothed. Lovely glossy deep brown patina, with green hues. Good VF/About EF. The identity of the temple on the reverse of the coin is somewhat controversial. Its round form has led come commentators to declare the type a depiction of a temple of Vesta – either the famous temple in the Forum or the small shrine erected by Augustus next to his house on the Palatine Hill. The latter possibility may be supported by the presence of the Palladium on the roof. On the other hand, considering the obverse type and the calf and lamb flanking the temple, it has also been argued that the temple must honour the divine Augustus. A calf and a lamb were standard sacrificial animals during ceremonies worshiping a deified emperor.
(NAC 101, 2017, 92 note).
In the opinion of P.Hill (The Monuments of Ancient Rome as Coin Types, p.32) the temple corresponds in virtually every detail (as calf and lamb) to the representation of the shrine of Vesta on the Palatine on the Sorrento Base, except that it has a statue of Vesta on the apex of the roof.

Lot closed on: 2021-04-24 14:00:00 Roma time

Watch this lot Print Sylloge App

Email: info@artemideaste.com

Mobile: +39 335 7349969

Tel: +378 0549 908845

Fax: +378 0549 972142