The Roman Empire
OB CIVIS SERVATOS – CL V – SIGNIS RECEPTIS
Denarius, Caesaraugusta (?) circa 19-18 BC, AR 3.99 g. Oak-wreathed head r. Rev. CAESAR / AVGVSTVS Two laurel branches flanking S – P / Q – R arranged around shield inscribed CL V. C 51. BMC 354. RIC 36a. CBN 1335.
Rare. A lovely portrait perfectly struck in high relief and with an enchanting
old cabinet tone. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc Ex Leu 86, 2003, de Guermantes, 740; Goldberg, 26 May 2008, Millennia, 79 and Heritage Long Beach 3015, 2011, 23288 sales. From the Millennia and Rubicon Collections.

Here in an unusual twist the golden shield (CL V) is joined by laurel branches indicating peace. But the design is then similar to the SIGNIS RECEPTIS issues in that S P Q R is added around the shield and CAESAR/AVGVSTVS is above and below the design. The coin design is artistically engraved and tends toward the Greek influence, but the reverse design is cluttered and cumbersome. By contrast the portrait standing alone on the obverse is stunningly beautiful. The type alone is quite rare and this piece must surely be among the finest survivors. MSG.