Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 1365. Estimate $3000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $3500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (4.16 g, 5h). Rome mint. M. Durmius, moneyer. Struck 19 BC. Bare head of Honos right / AVGVSTVS CAESAR, Augustus driving slow biga of elephants left, holding palm-branch and sceptre. RIC I 311 corr. (obv. 2B not 2A); RSC 427. EF, gray and iridescent toning. Rare.

Durmius’ coinage commemorated Augustus’ status and a variety of Augustus’ achievements: 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 the three tresviri monetales 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 depiction of Honos here is likely a reference to the family of the moneyer, M. Durmius, but we do not know the specific significance of the personification.