The Parthian Arch - A Spanish Interpretation

Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 816. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $2400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (3.89 g, 6h). Spanish mint - Tarraco. Struck 18 BC. [S • P • Q • R • IMP •] CAESARI • AVG • COS • XI • TR • POT • VI •, bare head left / CIVIB • ET • SIGN [• MILIT • A • PART • RECVP], triumphal arch of Augustus: central arch surmounted by a facing quadriga; side arches, on each of which is a standing figure; on left, figure standing right, holding a signum in raised right hand; on right, figure standing left, holding an aquila in raised right hand and bow at side in left. RIC I 132; RSC 85; cf. BMCRE p. 73, note * = BMCRR Rome p. 38, note 1; cf. BN -. Near EF, toned, struck on a compact flan. Rare.

Here again we see the Parthian Arch – the central arcade with the quadriga, and smaller side arcades with warriors. It is interesting to note how the engraver interpreted the reverse description he received from Rome, which apparently had not specified how much smaller the new arcades were, so the new Arch seems to have three big arcades. The sculptures and inscription leave no doubt as to the arch depicted.