Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 1370. Estimate $4000.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $5750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AUGUSTUS. 27 BC-14 AD. AR Denarius (3.92 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 19 BC. M. Durmius, moneyer. M DVRMIVS III VIR HONORI, bare head of Honos right / AVGVSTVS CAESAR, Augustus left in slow biga left drawn by elephants, holding palm in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC I 311 corr. (obv. 2B not 2A); RSC 427; BMCRE 52; BN 191. EF, excellent metal quality. Rare. ($4000)

As noted by Sutherland and Carson in RIC (p. 34), the types on the coinage of Durmius concerned a variety of areas: the Parthian campaign, Augustus' honors of 27 BC, various Victories, and 'family types'. With the depiction of elephants and the timing of this issue, there is little doubt that the reverse type, employed on the coinage of all three triumvir monetalis of this year, refers to the honors paid to Augustus following his triumphant return from the east. Although his achievements were more diplomatic than military, they were considerable. The recovery of the standards lost by Crassus at Carrhae was especially important, and thus the military was accorded much glory in Augustus' victories. The obverse is likely a reference to the family of the moneyer of this issue, M. Durmius, but the historical record of this individual or any of his relatives is lacking.