RÖMISCHE KAISERZEIT
Augustus (27 v. Chr.-14 n. Chr.)
Denarius (3,99 g), Roma, Münzmeister L. Vinicius, 16 v. Chr. Kopf / Triumphbogen mit der Inschrift S P Q R / IMP CAE auf der Attika, bekrönt von einer Quadriga gelenkt von Augustus, auf den seitlichen Toren ein Bogenschütze und Schleuderer. RIC I² 359 (R2), RSC I 544. Graffiti und Punzen im Av. Seltenes, attraktives Exemplar mit dunkler Fundpatina. R s.sch.+
Rauch Auction 46, Lot 209, 2025, 1135 pc
This type depicts the Arch of Augustus in the Forum Romanum, which spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Caesar, and was built in 20/19 BC to commemorate the return from Parthia of the lost standards of Crassus. Though little remains of the arch today, its identification is certain, thanks to an inscription found at this location in 1546. This inscription is significant, as it records a dedication to Augustus in 29 BC, and since no remains of a second arch of Augustus have been found in the Forum, this has led many to conclude that this ‘Parthian Arch’ was an expansion or replacement of the old Actian Arch (see RIC 267, CRI 422) set up in 29 BC, which commemorated the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and which was almost certainly considered distasteful for celebrating a victory over other Romans.
The appearance of the arch must be deduced from the numismatic record, since it is not anywhere described in the historical texts. The present type is thus an important archaeological document, allowing for the reconstruction of an early Imperial monument which is otherwise survived only by partial travertine foundations and some marble fragments which have been set atop them in modern brick beds.
