Indice Dietro Avanti
Antonino Pio e il tempio di Augusto e Livia
7.9.2012
A mio avviso, la moneta è un falso molto ben fatto e, di conseguenza, molto pericoloso. Acquistata presso ..., la moneta in fotografia appariva in ottime condizioni e, soprattutto, buona. Una volta arrivata, alla prima occhiata ho avuto una brutta sensazione. Purtroppo la valutazione irrazionale ha trovato riscontro con quella razionale. Il primo elemento a sfavore è il colore, assolutamente non compatibile con l'argento d'epoca. Il secondo punto rivelatore è il taglio del tondello con le caratteristiche crepature, tipiche delle copie battute in epoca moderna. Terzo indizio i tagli netti presenti sui caratteri numerali in "COS IIII" e sul taglio del tondello. Dati fisici: peso 3,32g misure 18,0/17,5 mm asse 7.
fig. 1
Cliccare sulle immagini per ingrandire
Roma, 20.9.2013
Egregio Lettore,
di seguito riporto gli elementi significativi raccolti sulla moneta:

Denario1, zecca di Roma, 158-159 d. C.2, RIC III 290a (pag. 60), BMC IV 940 (pag. 140), Cohen II 804 (pag. 349), indice di rarità "s".

Descrizione sommaria:
D. ANTONINVS AVG - PIVS P P TR P XXII3. Antonino Pio, testa laureata a destra.
R. TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST - COS IIII4. Tempio ottastilo, con statue del Divo Augusto e di Livia assisi di fronte.5

La ricerca nel web dei denari della tipologia di figura ha prodotto i seguenti risultati:
  1. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=498725 Source VAuctions Auction 265 (16.06.2011) Lot  124  ( «  |  » ) Estimate 75 USD Price 77 USD Description Lot 124.  ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. AR Denarius (17mm - 3.19 g). Rome mint. Struck 159 AD. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right / TEMPVLVM DIV AVG REST, COS IIII in exergue, octastyle temple within which are seated the figures of Divus Augustus and Livia, on podium of three steps. RIC III 290a; BMCRE 939; RSC 804. VF, toned, some light roughness.
  2. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=16808 Source Gemini, LLC Auction III (09.01.2007) Lot  396  ( «  |  » ) Price  300 USD Description Antoninus Pius. (138-161 AD). Silver denarius (3.67 gm). Rome, 159 AD. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right / TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST COS IIII, temple of eight columns with standing statues before the two outer columns, containing seated statues of Divus Augustus and Diva Livia. BMCRE 940 corr. Cohen 804 (8 Fr.). RIC 290a. A dated version of the last lot, and with TEMPLVM not AED in the reverse legend. Mint state. Estimate: US$300.
  3. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=210730 Source FORVM ANCIENT COINS Description Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D. 65. Silver denarius, RIC III 290a , BMCRE IV 939, RSC II 804, aVF, Rome mint, 2.6g, 17.7mm, 180°, 158 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right; reverse TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST, COS IIII in exergue, octastyle temple in which are seated Divus Augustus and Livia, on podium of three steps; in pediment, top and center, uncertain figures; at each corner statue on base; scarce.
  4. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=227584 Source FORVM ANCIENT COINS Description Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D. 65. Silver denarius, This interesting type commemorates the restoration of the temple of Divus Augustus and Livia. 21726. Silver denarius, RIC III 290a, choice gVF, Rome mint, 3.563g, 18.3mm, 0°, 158 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII (re-engraved die), laureate head right; reverse DIV AVG REST COS IIII, statues of Divus Augustus and Livia seated in an octastyle temple, two statues in front of the outer columns, statue on pediment, two others and a quadriga on roof.
  5. http://www.beastcoins.com/RomanImperial/III/AntoninusPius/AntoninusPius-RICIII-284.jpg Antoninus Pius, AR Denarius, 158-159, Rome ANTONINVS AVG- PIVS P P TR P XXII Laureate head right AED DIVI-AVG REST Octastyle temple containing standing (?) statues of Divus Augustus and Livia, statues at front of temple facing outward holding palms, statue in pediment, statues as acroteria 16mm x 17mm, 3.67g COS IIII in exergue RIC III, 284 (R) Ex Moneta, South Shore Coin Show in Milwaukee, April 2007.
  6. http://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/gitbudnaumann/66/product/antoninus_pius__denarius__temple_of_divus_augustus/140710/Default.aspx ANTONINUS PIUS - DENARIUS - TEMPLE OF DIVUS AUGUSTUS Av: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII Laureate head right. Rv: TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST / COS IIII Statues of Augustus and Livia within octastyle temple on podium. RIC 290; Coh. 804 14 mm; 3,2 gm Price: € 70.00 US$ 93.49 Rates for: 9/18/2013.
  7. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/antoninus_pius/RIC_0290.1.jpg Antoninus Pius Denarius / Temple Reverse $36.00 Oct-24-00 ancient-imports Bust r., ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS XXII (159 AD). Octastyle temple in which divus Augustus and Livia are seated, Victory at each corner, topped by a quadriga, TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST around,COS IIII in ex.. RSC 802. 3.5 gr, 17mm.
  8. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.2.jpg Closes April 06, 1999 - 08:00 PM PT (75 Lots) Another fine auction of ancient coins including some rare Greek, a few Chinese, and a lot of Roman including such notables as Vitellius. Lot: 45   Rome. Ancient. Antoninus Pius. Silver Denarius, 3.5 grams. (Sear1242) 138-161 AD. Grade:aVF Rx: TEMPVLVM DIV AVG REST COS IIII, Octastyle temple with seated figures of Augustus and Livia within. Pius had restored this temple during his reign. Rare. [L230708] Next Bid: $78.00.
  9. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.7.jpg Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. AR Denarius (3.32 gm). Struck 159 AD. Laureate head right, elderly features / Octastyle temple within which are seated the figures of Divus Augustus and Livia, on podium of three steps. RIC III 290a; BMCRE 939; RSC 804. Fine, scarce type. 714819 The second Temple of Divus Augustus, commenced under Tiberius and dedicated by Caligula in August 37 AD, suffered during the great fire of 80 which began on the Capitoline Hill and spread into the Forum and onto the Palatine. It was possibly restored or rebuilt under Domitian, although it is not mentioned in the Chronographia, and it certainly received further restoration under Antoninus Pius in 158. The temple under Antoninus was Corinthian octastyle and contained the seated figures of Divus Augustus and Livia within, generally drawn on the coinage at an elevated level to suggest perspective. The reliefs on the pediment are impossible to identify with any certainty, but the statuary on the roof can be identified as Augustus in quadriga flanked by Romulus on the left and Anchises carrying his father on the right.
  10. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.9.jpg Roman Empire. Antoninus Pius. A.D. 138-161. AR Denarius. 3.350 grams. Rome A.D. 158-159. Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. XXII. Head, laureate, r. Reverse: TEMPLVM DIV. AVG. REST. COS. IIII. Octastyle temple, in which are seated statues of Divus Augustus and Livia, etc. RIC 60, 290a. Cohen 804. Sear 1242. Good Very Fine and SCARCE.
  11. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.10.jpg Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. AR Denarius (3.47 gm). Struck 159 AD. Laureate head right, elderly features / Octastyle temple within which are seated the figures of Divus Augustus and Livia on podium of three steps. RIC III 290a; BMCRE 939; RSC 804. Toned VF. 722213.
  12. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.11.jpg Imperial Rome, Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 AD. AR Denarius of 159 AD. Rome. 3.67g. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P.P. TR.P. XXII, his laureate head rt. / TEMPLVM DIV. AVG. REST., Octastyle temple, in which are two seated figures (Divus Augustus and Livia). RIC 290a. Nice VF. Scarce and popular reverse type.
  13. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.12.jpg Description 71, Lot: 145. ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.07 gm). Struck 159 AD. Estimate $100. Sold for $96. ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.07 gm). Struck 159 AD. Laureate head right / Octastyle temple within which are seated the figures of Divus Augustus and Livia, on podium of three steps. RIC III 290a; RSC 804. VF.
  14. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.13.jpg ANTONINUS PIUS . 138-161 AD. Silver Denarius, 18mm (3.35 gm). . R: Octastyle temple.. cf. RIC. 290a. Rare and VF+.
  15. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.15.jpg 138-161 AD, , Rome, 159 AD, 3.48g. BM-940 corr., C-804 (8 Fr.), RIC-290a. Denarius. Obv: TR P XXII. Rx: TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST COS IIII Temple of eight columns with standing statues before the two outer columns, containing seated statues of Divus Augustus and Diva Livia. Coins like this one provide our only record that Antoninus restored the Temple of Divus Augustus and Diva Livia in the Roman Forum in 159 AD. EF with luster; a bit porous; planchet flaw before face.
  16. http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=491092 Source Nudelman Numismatica Auction 10 (13.06.2011) Lot  139  ( «  |  » ) Price  220 EUR (~318 USD) Description ROMAN. IMPERIAL. ANTONINUS PIUS (A.D. 138-161) Denarius, Ag, A.D. 158/159, Rome mint Av: ANTONINVS AVG - PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head of Pius right. Rv: COS IIII in exergue, TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST, octastyle temple containing the statues of Divus Augustus and Livia.
  17. http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/lot_auc.php?site=1&sale=70&lot=3295&lang=1 Lot 3295 Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 158-159. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Octastyle temple in which are seated statues of Divus Augustus and Livia. RIC 290(a) [as Scarce]; C. 804. Toned. Extremely Fine. This scarce reverse type is one of many architectural designs portrayed in abundance during this era. They give us an insight into how the buildings looked at the time. Estimated Value $300 - 350. Unsold.
  18. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/antoninus_pius/RIC_0290.jpg Richard Giedroyc - Ancient Coins December 27, 1999 Lot: 40 Rome. Ancient. Roman Empire. Antoninus Pius. denarius. (S1214)A.Pius/temple. silver. Grade:EF '159 A.D. Obv.: Bust of Antoninius Pius right/Rev.: Octastyle temple. This is the temple of the Divus Augustus with statues of Augustus and Livia inside. These can be clearly seen on this example, considering the high condition of the coin. Well centered and with very high relief.
  19. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1242.3.jpg Lot: 12   Roman. Ancient. Imperial. ANTONINUS PIUS. S1242v, RIC 143. Silver. Grade:F AR Denarius, F/F. rough surfaces and some minor pitting on reverse. 'ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P.P.' his laureate head right. 'TEMPLVM DIV. AVG. REST' Figures of Augustus and Livia within a temple. 'COS IIII' in exergue. [L362867] Next Bid: $105.00.
    20.
Concludo osservando che, sebbene le dimensioni della moneta rientrino nella norma, destano perplessità nel dritto le sfumature di colore giallo e, nel rovescio, lo spiccare delle lettere della leggenda rispetto al piano del tondello e al tempio, privo di rilievo.

Un saluto cordiale.
Giulio De Florio
-------------------------
Note:

(1) Denario (argento). Secondo BMC, il denario di Antonino Pio pesava intorno ai 3,23g (media su 783 esemplari). Raccolgo in tabella le caratteristiche fisiche dei denari della tipologia di figura tratte dai link di cui sopra:

Riferimenti Peso (g.)  Diametro (mm) Asse di conio (h)
Link1 3,19 17 -
Link2 3,67 - -
Link3 2,6 17,7 6
Link4 3,563 18,3 0
Link5 3,67 16-17 -
Link6 3,2 14 -
Link7 3,5 17 -
Link8 3,5 - -
Link9 3,32 - -
Link10 3,35 - -
Link11 3,47 - -
Link12 3,67 - -
Link13 3,07 18 -
Link14 3,35 18 -
Link15 3,48 - -
Dalla tabella si evince che le caratteristiche fisiche del denario di figura comunicate dal lettore (3,82g, 17,5-18mm, 7h) non si discostano da quelle dei conî d'epoca.
(2) Come datazione, si è assunto l'intervallo temporale compreso tra il 10 dicembre 158, in cui Antonino Pio venne investito per la 22.ma volta dell'incarico di tribuno e il 10 dicembre del 159 in cui l'incarico stesso gli venne rinnovato per la 23.ma volta (v. Sviluppo della potestà tribunicia durante l’età imperiale di Attilio Mastino).
(3) ANTONINVS AVGustus PIVS Pater Patriae TRibunicia Potestate XXII (Antonino, Augusto, Pio, Padre della Patria, investito per la 22.ma volte dei poteri di tribuno). Per un profilo biografico dell'imperatore si rimanda al sito http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonino_Pio.
(4) TEMPLVM DIVi AVGusti RESTituit COnSul IIII (restaurò il tempio del divino Augusto, console per la quarta volta). Traggo da una risposta di Illyricum su lamoneta.it le note che seguono, "Dell'edificio non esistono attualmente tracce; si sa che fu eretto da Tiberio in loro onore ma non fu da lui terminato. Secondo Svetonio la costruzione fu terminata da Caligola. Secondo Platner (1929) all'interno vi erano statue di Augusto, Livia ed altri imperatori deificati; distrutto da un incendio nel 79 d. C. fu restaurato da Domiziano che vi eresse un sacello dedicato alla sua dea preferita, Minerva. Un nuovo e considerevole restauro fu compiuto da Antonino Pio che lo presenta octastile con capitelli corinzi e due statue nella cella, presumibilmente Augusto e Livia. la quadriga sul pedimento rappresenta sempre lo stesso Augusto; la figura a sinistra è Romolo mentre a destra c'è Enea che guida la sua famiglia in salvo tra le fiamme di Troia. Sulla scalinata, due statue di Vittoria. L'ultima menzione è del 248 d. C." Per ulteriori approfondimenti si rimaanda al link.
Indice Dietro Avanti