Ancient Rome - 19/18 CE Augustus AR Denarius P. Turpilianus NGC Choice AU★

Augustus AR Denarius. Rome Mint, 19-18 BC. NGC Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5. 4.11 g. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Publius Petronius Turpilianus was active from 19 BC-4 BC. Scholar C. Pannekeet tells us that he "was probably a new (self-made) man (homo novus) and came from Samnium. He was probably praetor in 8/7 BC and proconsul Baeticae in 6/5 BC. His father may have been Sex[tus] Petronius Turpilius who was praefectus Aegypti from 25-20 BC."

Obverse: TVRPILIANVS III VIR FERON, draped bust of Feronia to right, wearing stephane and pearl necklace. FE under bust. Reverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS•SIGN•RECE•, bare-headed Parthian kneeling to right, extending in right hand a standard, to which is attached a vexillum marked X, and holding out left hand. RIC I 288; BMCRE 14; BN 127; RSC 484. Attractive, well struck piece with rich golden brown patina.

Bust of Augustus as the young Octavian, dated c. 30 BC. Capitoline Museum, Rome. Photo: wikimedia.org.