(64) Augustus - AR denarius, 19 B.C., 3.72 g. (inv. 91.111).
Obverse: Bare head of Augustus r.; CAE[SAR AVG]VSTVS: Caesar Augustus.
Reverse: In round, domed temple with four columns, Mars standing l., wearing
cloak and helmet and holding standard in r. and trophy over l. shoulder;
MAR(TIS)-VLT(ORIS): of Mars Ultor.
Provenance: Coin Galleries, 1972.
Bibliography: C.H.V. Sutherland, The Roman Imperial Coinage I: from 31
BC to AD 69, rev. ed. (London 1984) 68.
The return in 20 B.C. of the Roman standards captured by the Parthians (see
no. 63) 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 no. 63). 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.
C.L.L.
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