Ancient Rome - 13 BCE Augustus AR Denarius NGC XF - Provenance Archer M. Huntington

Silver Denarius created by moneyer C. Marius Tromentinus. Strike 5/5; Surfaces 3/5 (4.16g). The obverse reads, AVGVSTVS, and shows the bare head of Augustus facing right with a lituus behind his neck. The reverse reads, C•MARIVS•C•F / TRO•III•VIR, and presents a palm branch in quadriga galloping right.

A wonderful design and both sides have deep, rich golden brown patina. Well struck—and almost perfectly centered—portrait showing full details in hair. The reverse is also well-centered. References: RIC I² 399 (R2), RSC I 456.

Provenance Archer M. Huntington Collection

Archer M. Huntington (1870-1955) was one of the leading numismatists of his day. President of the American Numismatic Society from 1905 to 1910, Huntington's most significant contributions were as a benefactor. Gifts from Huntington included coins and medal for the Society's collection and significant financial aid, including funds for the construction of the Society's Audubon Terrace facility in New York City and to start numerous endowments.

Archer Milton Huntington, painting by Jose Maria Lopez, ca. 1930, Mezquita, The Hispanic Museum and Library.

In the early 1920s, Huntington endowed the Society's publications program with funding to establish Numismatic Notes and Monographs, a series of scholarly publications. A decade later, Huntington helped fund the Society's library through a trust with the Huntington Free Library and Reading Room, whereby the ANS received funding to acquire numismatic works. And still later, in the 1940s, Huntington generously provided substantial sums of money and stock which permitted the Society to gradually expand its curatorial area from a single curator to a multi-person department.

During his association with the ANS, Huntington also generously added to the collections of the ANS, as well as contributing funds to permit the ANS to purchase other significant collections.