The Basilica Ulpia

Sale: CNG 79, Lot: 1096. Estimate $5000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2008.  Sold For $5500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (25.58 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 112-115. Laureate and draped bust right / BASILICA VLPIA in exergue, the Basilica Ulpia: building façade with three distyle avant-corps, each set on two-tiered base; central epistylon surmounted by triumphal quadriga; figures on either side holding outer horses and long scepters; flanking epistyla each surmounted by biga; pair of legionary aquilae at outer ends; ornate architrave above. RIC II 616 var. (not draped); Banti 36 (same rev. die as illustration). VF, red-brown patina, surfaces smoothed. Very rare variety, Banti lists only five examples.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 141 (10 October 2005), lot 297 (sold for €7500).

A major element of Trajan's Forum, the Basilica Ulpia was an oblong building that stood perpendicular to the central axis of the Forum and divided the large open area with the equestrian statue of Trajan at its center from the Greek and Latin libraries flanking Trajan's Column behind. Constructed in two stories, and richly endowed with marbles from across the empire, the Basilica was a place not only where daily business was transacted, but demonstrated the extent of Rome's power and prestige.