Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich

Auction 86  –  8 October 2015

Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich, Auction 86

The Gasvoda Collection - Part I; Coins of the Imperatorial Period and the Twe...

Th, 08.10.2015, from 11:00 AM CEST
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Description

The Roman Empire
OB CIVIS SERVATOS – CL V – SIGNIS RECEPTIS
Sestertius, uncertain mint in Syria after 23 BC, Æ 25.98 g. IMP AVGVS[T] – TR POT Bare head r. Rev. CIVIS across field within linear border, all within oak wreath; above, OB and below, SERVATOS within double circular outer line border. C 212. BMC 738. RIC 549. Butcher Group 1, 38 (Antiochia). CBN 1001a. RPC 4101.
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, possibly the finest specimen
known. A very interesting portrait and a wonderful green patina. Extremely fine Ex Triton sale XI, 2008, Prideaux, 87. From the J.S. Wagner Collection.

Most collectors are shocked to learn that portrait sestertii of Augustus and Tiberius are extremely difficult to find in good condition, if they can find them at all. This is a stunning example of a rare type. MSG.

RIC defines this coin type as from an unknown eastern mint, perhaps Antioch. If this is indeed true it would be the only type to carry the OB CIVIS SERVATOS legend from an eastern minting facility. The curious concentric circles which almost seem to be an engraving aid, are unique to the bronzes of Augustus (for comparison see lots 70 & 72 showing the style used by the Roman moneyers). These circles are more consistent with the cistophori die construction from Ephesus and Pergamum. While linear circles are occasionally used at other mints, at Rome the bordering circles are almost always beaded.

The portrait style and size does indeed have a look of known issues which have been reattributed to Antioch (the reverse wreath with large CA in the center). Those issues come with both a linear and a beaded border. The dating provided by RIC for this issue is rather unhelpful (sometime after 23 BC).

The final confusion lies in the cluttered legends on this coin type and the curious placement of the last ”S” of SERVATOS which faces straight up rather than in the round as is normal. The same can be said for the central CIVIS which has been engraved completely larger than would be expected. This legend ”struggle” is common at the eastern mints so all points lead one to believe that the references are correct. However, the engraving of the reverse wreath is highly artistic. So much so that one would expect a master engraver had created this stunning issue.

The combination of features seen here seem to most resemble the attributes of Pergamum yet no known bronzes from the period are attributed to that mint. I have theorized that a master engraver was sent east to establish the Roman designs for both Pergamum and Ephesus. Can we assume that this ”master” would have only been responsible for the major design features of each die while leaving the lettering to a junior engraver? This would be consistent with the quality of work of these eastern mints. And perhaps, after setting up the engraving departments at Pergamum and Ephesus, this same engraver continued east to Antioch, and employed the same engraving strategy. MSG.

The ”OB CIVIS SERVATOS” designation first appears on the coinage of Augustus after the return of the Roman prisoners who had been captured during the battles lost by Crassus and, later, Marc Antony. Translated this means ”for saving the citizens” and, along with the oaken wreath given for such an honour, was placed above the doorway to the home of Augustus. This legend is often coupled with a second award to Augustus of the Clipeus Virtutis (Shield of Valour) or ”golden shield”. These types come at a time following the establishment of the Parthian peace and the return of the captured Roman soldiers. The golden shield (CL V) is found coupled with both the OB CIVIS SERVATOS legends and the SIGNIS RECEPTIS” legend coupled with an image of the returned Roman standards. This huge outpouring of coinage would also include variations that show: the arch erected in the Roman forum, usually with the legend SIGNIS RECEPTIS; the Temple of Mars Ultor, often showing an image of the returned standards; and variations of the oaken wreath and/or the golden shield. This group of coins is the basis for the most extensive outpouring of coinage under Augustus since the end of the civil war. Taken from Augustus’ ”Res Gestae” item 29 – ”I recovered from Spain, Gaul, and Dalmatia the many military standards lost through other leaders, after defeating the enemies. I compelled the Parthians to return to me the spoils and standards of three Roman armies, and as suppliants to seek the friendship of the Roman people. Furthermore I placed those standards in the sanctuary of the temple of Mars Ultor.” Taken from Augustus’ ”Res Gestae” item 34 - ”In my sixth and seventh consulates (28-27 B.C.E.), after putting out the civil war, having obtained all things by universal consent, I handed over the state from my power to the dominion of the senate and Roman people. And for this merit of mine, by a senate decree, I was called Augustus and the doors of my temple were publicly clothed with laurel and a civic crown was fixed over my door and a gold shield placed in the Julian senate-house, and the inscription of that shield testified to the virtue, mercy, justice, and piety, for which the senate and Roman people gave it to me. After that time, I exceeded all in influence, but I had no greater power than the others who were colleagues with me in each magistracy.” MSG.

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Price realized 24'000 CHF
Starting price 12'000 CHF
Estimate 15'000 CHF
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