Divus Augustus Altar

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, May 7, 2022.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I have a great deal of fondness for the restoration series of coinage struck by Titus in 80-81. It's a perfect way to collect coins of the other Twelve Caesars without leaving the comfort of my Flavian speciality!


    T454.jpg
    Divus Augustus, Restored by Titus
    Æ As, 9.40g
    Rome mint, 80-81 AD
    Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Head of Augustus, radiate, l.
    Rev: IMP T VESP AVG REST; PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Altar
    RIC 454 (C3). BMC -. BNC 282.
    Acquired from Savoca Coins, April 2022.

    Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II writes 'those of Divus Augustus are especially appropriate in view of the consecration of Divus Vespasianus, which was evidently modelled on that of his predecessor.'

    This Provident altar restoration as struck for Divus Augustus has nine different variants, this is by far the most common one. It faithfully copies the same type struck under Tiberius. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. Although a common type under Vespasian, it was produced under Titus exclusively for the Divus Augustus restoration asses.

    Oddly (for such a common type), missing from the BM!

    Feel free to share your restoration coins, coins of Augustus, or those depicting altars.

    Thank you for looking!
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2022
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  3. Andres2

    Andres2 Well-Known Member

    Very nice portrait, congrats David

    struck under Tiberius:

    Augustus S-C 2.jpg
     
  4. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

  5. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Like @Bing, I have the OG version:

    Augustus PROVIDENT S C altar as.jpg
     
    Dafydd, sky92880, Edessa and 10 others like this.
  6. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Great coin David, part of a remarkably interesting series. 346.jpg AA_2.jpg
    Claudius Restoration issued under Domitian AE AS, Rome Mint, Ca. 81-82 AD Wt.: 9.6 g Domitian altar.jpg
     
  7. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    I don't have that type, but here is a rather attractive altar/pyre for another divus.
    Claudius II RIC Milan 261.JPG
     
  8. Edessa

    Edessa Well-Known Member

    Roman Egypt, Alexandria. Nero, with Divus Augustus, AD 54-68. Billon Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.90g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 66/67). Obv: NEPΩ KΛAY KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEP AY; Radiate bust of Nero left, wearing Aegis; L-ΙΓ (date) to left. Rev: ΘEOΣ ΣEΒAΣTOΣ; Radiate head of Divus Augustus right. Ref: Köln 177-80; Dattari (Savio) 184; K&G 14.100; RPC I 5294; Emmett 113.13. Good Very Fine, nice portraits and pleasing toning. aaa.jpg
     
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