Livia as Genetrix Orbis

329, Lot: 233. Estimate $300. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SPAIN, Colonia Romula. Divus Augustus and Julia Augusta (Livia). Æ Dupondius (32mm, 23.44 g, 9h). Struck after AD 16. Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; six-rayed star above, thunderbolt to left / Head of Livia left, set on globe, crescent above. RPC 73; Vives pl. CLXVII, 2; Burgos 1587; SNG Copenhagen 421. Good VF, attractive dark green patina, earthen encrustation on edge.

Ex Classiacal Numismatic Group 70 (21 September 2005), lot 533.

The style of the obverse is identical to an as struck in Rome, and dated to 15-16 AD (RIC I 72 [Tiberius]). More importantly, the reverse demonstrates the development of the Julio-Claudian dynastic in the early years of Tiberius' reign. The portrait of Livia, known as Julia Augusta by the dictates of Augustus' will, demonstrates an increased divine association of the dowager empress; the crescent consciously parallels the star above the head of the Divus Augustus. The legend formula is apparently unknown elsewhere. Furthermore, the phrase gentrix orbis may allude to Venus Genetrix, the divine ancestress of the gens Iulia as well as mater or parens patriae, titles which the Senate bestowed on Livia.