Summary
Denarius of Augustus, Ancient Roman Empire. Minted by Spain, Uncertain Mint 2 (perhaps Colonia Patricia).
At that time Spain was occupied by four legions who required payment in gold and silver coins. The reverse type on this coin is thought to represent the temple of Jupter Tonans dedicated in about 22 BC after Augustus was not struck by lightning during the Cantabrian campaign. The mint is thought to have closed in about 17 BC.
"The temple of Jupiter Tonans, commemorating Augustus' escape from lightning in the Cantabrian campaign, was dedicated near the Capitol c. 22 BC (cf Suet. Div. Augustus 29, 91)" RIC p.46 n.63. This coin depicts that temple and the statue of Jupiter Tonans it contained.
Obverse Description
Bare head of Augustus facing right; around, CAES[AR AVG]VSTVS
Reverse Description
Jupiter standing within a hexastyle temple facing left, holding a thunderbolt in his right hand and a long sceptre in his left; in fields at sides of temple, [IO]V / [IS] TON
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
22-17 BC
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Issued By
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Deity Depicted
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Denomination
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Material
Silver
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Axis
05
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
19 mm (Outside Diameter), 3.633 g (Weight)
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Shape
Off round
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References
1984 revised RIC. 67 (1920 edition RIC.278)
[Book] Sutherland, C.H.V. 1984. The Roman Imperial Coinage. I., 46 Pages
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
