Ancient Rome - 16 BCE Augustus AR Denarius NGC Choice XF - L. Mescinius Rufus moneyer
IN STOCK
SKU
6155519009
Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 16 BC. L. Mescinius Rufus, moneyer. The obverse features CAESAR AVGVSTVS TR POT around the laureated head of Augustus facing to right. The reverse features L MESCINIVS RVFVS III VIR around Mars, nude but for helmet and cloak draped over left arm, holding spear and parazonium, standing to left on pedestal inscribed S P Q R V PR RE CAES.
This is a Choice Extremely Fine specimen with beautiful old cabinet tone. It is Extremely Rare and should not to be confused with the more common anepigraphic obverse type. This is one of only three examples offered at auction in the past 20 years, the other two being in exceedingly poor condition, and it is likely the finest surviving specimen.
This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002);
Ex Alba Longa Collection;
Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG - Spink Taisei, 16 November 1994, lot 161.
Ancient Rome - 42 BC Julius Caesar AR Denarius NGC AU $7,775.
This type was produced to honor vows undertaken for the safe return of Augustus from Gaul in 16 BC, where we became quite ill. The year 16 BC also saw Augustus make large donations of money to the aerarium Saturni, the public treasury. Mars was always an important figure in Augustus' rule as emperor. He made Mars a renewed focus of Roman religious life by building the Temple of Mars Ultor ("the Avenger") in his new forum. The emperor wanted to honor avenging the death of Julius Caesar, his adoptive father, and the military disaster at the Battle of Carrhae. Augustus created the cult of "Mars the Avenger" to mark two significant events: his defeat of the assassins of Caesar at Philippi in 42 BC and the negotiated return of Roman battle standards which had been lost to the Parthians at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC.
| Grading Service | NGC |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | NONE |
| Grade | XF45 |
| Ancient Year Range | 1st C. BC- 44 AD |
| Denom Type | Ancient |
| Numeric Denomination | AR Denarius |
| Mint Location | NONE |
| Designation | NONE |
| Circ/UnCirc | Circulated |
| Strike Type | Business |
| Holder Variety | Strike 5/5; Surface 3/5 minor marks on reverse field |
| Grade Add On | NONE |
| Holder Type | N/A |
