Lot 1193
Augustus. Silver Denarius (3.81 g), 27 BC-AD 14. Emerita(?), ca. 25-23 BC. P. Carisius, propraetorian legate. IMP CAESAR AVGVST, bare head of Augustus left. Rev. P CARISIVS LEG PRO PR, trophy of Celtiberian arms consisting of a helmet, cuirass, shield, and javelins, erected atop pile of arms. (RIC 4b; BN 1061-4; BMC 284-5; RSC 402). Softly struck from a worn obverse die. Plenty of mint luster still present. Lightly toned. Extremely fine. Estimate $1,000UP
This denarius celebrates the victories of Augustus and his legate, P. Carisius, in the Cantabrian Wars (29-19 BC) that resulted in the total conquest of Spain. Although much of Spain had been pacified and conquered by the Romans between the early second and mid-first centuries BC, the mountaineering Cantabri and Astures of northern Spain still resisted the Roman juggernaut. Augustus personally led the campaign in 26 BC and enjoyed several important victories before he took ill and was forced to retire to Tarraco. Later in the year he accepted the surrender of the Cantabri. In 25 BC, command was given to Carisius, who, after vicious fighting managed to conquer the Astures. The end of the war was celebrated by the closure of the doors to the Temple of Janus in Rome although in the following year, rebellion stirred among the Cantabri and Astures yet again.
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| Realized $738 |
