| Military, Combat & Arms on Ancient Coins |  |
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| Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D. |   | In 8 B.C., Augustus selected Gaius Caesar, one of his grandsons, as his successor. |
| SH63911. Gold aureus, RIC I 198; Lyon 68; Calicó 174a 174; BMC 498; Paris 1457. Cohen 39 (50 Fr.)., VF, ex jewelry, edge filed to make round for jewelry, weight 7.159 g, maximum diameter 18.2 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 8 - 7 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI F, laureate head right; reverse C CAES AVGVST, Caius Caesar galloping on horseback right, wearing bulla around neck, sword in right, shield in left, aquila between two signa in background to left; very rare; $4750.00 (€3657.50) |
| Roman Republic, Mark Antony, Triumvir and Imperator, 44 - 30 B.C. |  | On 26 November 43 B.C. Octavian, Antony and Lepidus meet in Bononia, and enter into an official five-year autocratic pact, the Second Triumvirate. To cement their reconciliation Octavian agreed to marry Clodia, a daughter of Antony's wife Fulvia by her former husband Publius Clodius Pulcher. The triumvirs proscribed 130 senators and 2,000 equites, who were branded as outlaws and deprived of their property.
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| SH64353. Silver quinarius, Banti-Simonetti CNR II 133 (this coin); Crawford 489/4; CRI 121; RSC 82; Sydenham 1159; Kestner 3716; BMCRR Gaul 36, gVF, toned, a couple of banker’s marks; Military mint traveling with Antony and Lepidus in Transalpine Gaul, weight 1.900 g, maximum diameter 14.0 mm, die axis 180o, late summer-autumn 43 B.C.; obverse Lituus, capis, and raven standing left on ground line; M A(NT) IMP above; reverse Victory standing right, crowning trophy of arms standing before her with wreath in her right, palm frond over shoulder in left; ex Triton XVI, lot 930; ex Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection; ex Künker 124 (16 March 2007), lot 8491; scarce; $700.00 (€539.00) |
| Julius Caesar, Dictator of Rome 49 - 15 March 44 B.C. |  | This type was a special military coinage produced by Caesar during his final campaign. This campaign against the Pompeian forces in Spain culminated in the battle of Munda on 17 March 45 B.C. The obverse refers to Caesar's mythical descent from the goddess Venus. The reverse refers to Caesar's victories in Gaul and the male Gaulish captive may be Vercingetorix. |
| RS63678. Silver denarius, SRCV I 1404, BMCRR Spain 89, RSC I 13, Crawford 468/1, F, weight 3.316 g, maximum diameter 17.9 mm, die axis 135o, Spanish mint, 46 - 45 B.C.; obverse diademed head of Venus right, small Cupid behind; reverse trophy of Gallic arms; on left, Gallia seated left with hand to head in attitude of morning; on right, male (Vercingetorix?) captive seated right, hands bound behind, looking up; CAESAR in ex; $300.00 (€231.00) |
| Vetranio, 1 March - 25 December 350 A.D. |  | In 312 A.D., Constantine the Great dreamed he saw a Christogram in the sky and heard the words IN HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS, meaning in Latin, "In this sign you will be the victor." He ordered the sign of Christ on his legions standards and shields. He won a great victory and later became the first Christian Roman Emperor. |
| SH59948. Bronze centenionalis, RIC VIII 287, SRCV 4042, Cohen 4 (25 Fr.), gVF, weight 4.543 g, maximum diameter 23.1 mm, die axis 180o, Siscia mint, obverse D N VETRANIO P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, A behind, star in front; reverse HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS, Vetranio standing left in military dress, labarum (Christogram standard) in right, scepter in left, crowned by Victory behind, A left, •BSIS• in ex; scarce; $270.00 (€207.90) |
| Procopius, 28 September 365 - 27 May 366 A.D. |  | The mint at Heraclea was opened during the reign of Diocletian in 291 and continued to strike coins until it was closed by Leo I, c. 474 A.D. |
| RL34259. Bronze AE 3, RIC IX 7, VF, weight 3.453 g, maximum diameter 21.8 mm, die axis 0o, Heraclea mint, 28 September 365 - 27 May 366 A.D.; obverse D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left; reverse REPARATI-O FEL TEMP, Procopius holding labarum in right hand and resting left hand on shield, chi-rho Christogram above right, • left, SMHB in ex; rare; $240.00 (€184.80) |
| Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D., Caius Reverse |  | The brothers Caius (the eldest, pictured on this coin) and Lucius were the sons of Agrippa and Julia, daughter of Augustus. They were due to succeed Augustus but predeceased him in 4 and 2 A.D. respectively.
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| SH64488. Silver denarius, RIC I 199, BMCRE I 500, RSC I 40, F, toned, weight 3.483 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 270o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 8 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, laureate head right; reverse C•CAESAR, AVGVS•F in ex, Caius Caesar galloping right on horseback, holding sword and shield, legionary eagle and two standards behind; $240.00 (€184.80) |
| Vetranio, 1 March - 25 December 350 A.D. |  | |
| SH59946. Bronze AE 2, RIC VIII 132, VF, weight 5.546 g, maximum diameter 22.9 mm, die axis 0o, Thessalonica mint, obverse D N VETRAN-IO P F AVG, diademed draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse CONCORDIA MILITVM, emperor holding two standards decorated with Chi-Rho, star above, A in left field, B in right, •TSA• in ex; scarce; $225.00 (€173.25) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | 'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier, often a female, in armor holding a spear, parazonium, victory or a shield. Virtus and Mars can be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothed. |
| SH48399. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 273a, Cohen 384, aVF, weight 15.272 g, maximum diameter 30.7 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 240 A.D; obverse IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse VIRTVS AVG S C, Virtus standing half left, helmeted and in military dress, head left, resting right on shield set on ground, inverted spear in left; beautiful light green patina; $210.00 (€161.70) |
| Lucius Verus, 7 March 161 - February 169 A.D. |  | In 164, the governor of Syria, Avidius Cassius, one of Lucius Verus' generals, crossed the Euphrates and invaded Parthia. He completely destroyed Seleucia on the Tigris. He captured Ctesiphon, but it was returned to Parthia after the end of the war. When the army returned from Parthia they brought back a pandemic known as the Antonine Plague, which significantly depopulated the Roman Empire. |
| RB63438. Orichalcum dupondius, RIC III 1428, aVF, weight 11.80 g, maximum diameter 25.9 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, Dec. 164 - Aug. 165 A.D.; obverse L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, radiate head right; reverse TR POT V IMP II COS II S C, Verus standing left in military dress, standard in right, scepter in left, flanked by standards; $185.00 (€142.45) |
| Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. |  | In 278 A.D., Probus defeated the Alamanni, expelled the Franks from Gaul, reorganized the Roman defenses on the Rhine and resettled the Germanic tribes in the devastated provinces. He adopted the titles Gothicus Maximus and Germanicus Maximus. |
| RB30383. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 431, EF, weight 2.687 g, maximum diameter 21.8 mm, die axis 180o, Ticinum mint, 278 A.D.; obverse VIRTVS PROBI INVICTI AVG, radiate and helmeted cuirassed bust left, spear in right across shoulder, shield in left; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Mars walking right, transverse spear in right, trophy over shoulder in left, PXXT in ex; full silver; rare; $165.00 (€127.05) |
| Procopius, 28 September 365 - 27 May 366 A.D. |  | This very rare reverse was the first issue of Procopius, using Valens' weight standard and reverse legend. It was soon replaced by the much more common, larger REPARATIO FEL TEMP, which must have been a return in both weight and symbolism (head left) to the standard of Julian II, whose nominee Procopius claimed to be. |
| RL26680. Bronze AE 3, RIC IX 4, VF, weight 2.020 g, maximum diameter 17.5 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople mint, 365 A.D.; obverse D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse SECVRITAS REIPVB, Procopius standing facing, head right, holding shield on ground and spear, CONS[...] in ex; extremely rare (R4); $160.00 (€123.20) |
| Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D. |  | Trajan was a brilliant soldier and administrator. He restored the Senate to its full status, started a welfare program to feed and care for poor children, directed an extensive building program across the empire, annexed Dacia and invaded Arabia. Under Trajan, Rome reached its greatest extent. And he managed to do all this without a deficit or increasing taxes.
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| RB63728. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC II 658, BMCRE III 1019, aF, weight 23.403 g, maximum diameter 33.8 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 115 - 116 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right; reverse IMPERATOR VIIII / S C in exergue, Trajan seated right on platform, placed on left, accompanied by two officers and addressing five soldiers; rare; $160.00 (€123.20) |
| Tacitus, 25 September 275 - 12 April 276 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB46814. Silvered antoninianus, Bastien IX 57, RIC V 27, Choice VF, weight 3.748 g, maximum diameter 23.6 mm, die axis 0o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, early 276 A.D.; obverse IMP CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, holding two standards, BA in exergue; excellent centering; $130.00 (€100.10) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | In 241 Timesitheus was appointed the head of the Praetorian Guard, Gordian married his daughter Tranquillina, and she received the honorific title of Augusta. The marriage indicates Gordian correctly understood that Timesitheus was indispensable. Timesitheus died under suspicious circumstances in 243. Not long after losing his protector, Gordian was murdered by mutinous soldiers in February 244. |
| RB60655. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 306a, VF, weight 16.643 g, maximum diameter 32.1 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 241 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS II P P S C, Gordian standing right, wearing military garb, spear in right, globe in left; nice portrait and reverse style; $130.00 (€100.10) |
| Postumus, Summer 260 - Spring 269 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS26719. Silver antoninianus, RIC V 303, RSC IV 65, Mairat 120, Schulzki AGK 20, gVF, weight 3.126 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 45o, Treveri (Trier) mint, 4th emission, 1st phase, 266 A.D.; obverse IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES EXERCITVS, four military standards, the center two surmounted by hand and eagle; ex CNG, slightly irregular flan; $120.00 (€92.40) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB29509. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 171a, Cohen 51, aVF, weight 18.206 g, maximum diameter 29.3 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 244 - 249 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES EXERCITVS S C, four military standards; $110.00 (€84.70) |
| Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. |  | 'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier, often a female, in armor holding a spear, parazonium, victory or a shield. Virtus and Mars can usually be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothed. |
| RB38043. Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 437 var (bust type), VF, weight 3.509 g, maximum diameter 22.9 mm, die axis 180o, Ticinum mint, 276 A.D.; obverse VIRTVS PROBI AVG, radiate nude heroic bust left, aegis across shoulder and spear in right hand; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing left holding Victory, spear and shield, QXXT in ex; very rare; $110.00 (€84.70) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS59544. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8609, RIC IV 1, RSC IV 86, aEF, weight 4.163 g, maximum diameter 22.2 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, end of July 238 to end of July 239 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head left, standard in right, transverse scepter in left; $110.00 (€84.70) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS45769. Silver antoninianus, BMCRE V 11, RSC III 31, RIC IV 70, VF, weight 4.622 g, maximum diameter 23.1 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 218 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES EXERCITVS, Fides enthroned left holding legionary eagle and standard, standard in front of her; near full circles on obverse and reverse; $105.00 (€80.85) |
| Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 December 192 A.D. |  | In 184 A.D., the Antonine Wall in Britannia was permanently abandoned. |
| RS56248. Silver denarius, RIC III 71, Cohen 427, VF, weight 3.109 g, maximum diameter 17.0 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, c. 184 A.D.; obverse M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS, laureate head right; reverse P M TR P VIIII IMP VI COS IIII P P, Mars standing right, spear in right, shield resting on ground in left; $105.00 (€80.85) |
| Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. |  | In 277, Probus entered Rome to have his position as Emperor ratified by the Senate. |
| RB29519. Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 351 var (bust type), aVF, weight 3.197 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 0o, Ticinum mint, 277 A.D.; obverse VIRTVS PROBI AVG, radiate nude heroic bust left, aegis across shoulder and spear in right hand; reverse CONSERVAT AVG, Sol standing right, head left, raising hand and holding globe, TXXT in exergue; very rare; $100.00 (€77.00) |
| Tacitus, 25 September 275 - 12 April 276 A.D. |  | 'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier, often a female, in armor holding a spear, parazonium, victory or a shield. Virtus and Mars can be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothed. |
| RB33967. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 68, Bastien IX 47, VF, weight 3.382 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 275 A.D.; obverse IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing left, spear in left, resting right on shield; $100.00 (€77.00) |
| Tacitus, 25 September 275 - 12 April 276 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB52323. Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 87 var (bust type), VF, weight 3.381 g, maximum diameter 21.7 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 275 - 276 A.D.; obverse IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate bare-chest bust right, drapery on left shoulder; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, holding two standards, XXIS in exergue; rare; $100.00 (€77.00) |
| Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. |  | In 277 A.D., Probus began his campaign in Gaul, clearing the Goths and Germanic tribes from the province. |
| RB48410. Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 366, VF, weight 3.894 g, maximum diameter 24.3 mm, die axis 0o, Ticinum mint, 277 A.D.; obverse VIRTVS PROBI AVG, radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield decorated with florets and stars; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, standard in each hand, VIXXT in ex; rare with this shield decoration; $90.00 (€69.30) |
| Procopius, 28 September 365 - 27 May 366 A.D. |  | The variant with a branch in the left field is considerably scarcer than the usual "indeteminate object" or blank field. |
| RL59961. Bronze AE 3, RIC IX 17b, aF, weight 1.771 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople mint, 28 Sep 365 - 27 May 366 A.D.; obverse D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left; reverse REPARATI-O FEL TEMP, Procopius holding labarum in right, resting left on shield, branch lower left, Christogram above right, CONS[?] in ex; very rare; $80.00 (€61.60) |
| Maximian, 286 - 305, 306 - 308, and 310 A.D. |  | On 1 March 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed Constantius Chlorus and Galerius as Caesars. This is considered the beginning of the Tetrarchy, known as the Quattuor Principes Mundi ("Four Rulers of the World"). The four Tetrarchs established their capitals close to the Roman frontier: Diocletian at Nicomedia, Maximian at Mediolanum (Milan), Constantius at Augusta Treverorum (Trier), and Galerius at Sirmium (in modern Serbia). |
| RA62638. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 607 corr. (IMP C M A VAL...), aEF, weight 3.844 g, maximum diameter 20.1 mm, die axis 0o, Cyzicus mint, 293 A.D.; obverse IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse CONCORDIA MILITVM, Maximianus standing right, holding scepter, facing Jupiter standing left, offering Victory on globe and holding scepter, S between them, XXI in ex; near full silvering; $80.00 (€61.60) |
| Procopius, 28 September 365 - 27 May 366 A.D. |  | |
| RL26676. Bronze AE 3, RIC IX Heraclea 8 or similar, VF, weight 1.375 g, maximum diameter 16.6 mm, die axis 0o, obverse D N PROCOPIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse REPARATIO FEL TEMP, emperor standing facing, head right holding labarum and resting hand on shield; good portrait, scarcer right facing portrait; scarce; $75.00 (€57.75) |
| Constantine II, 22 May 337 - March or April 340 A.D. |  | The reverse legend dedicates this coin to "the glory of the Army." |
| RL30360. Bronze AE 3, Bastien XIII 250, break i; RIC VII 263 var (rev legend break), EF, weight 2.528 g, maximum diameter 18.9 mm, die axis 0o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, as caesar, 333 A.D.; obverse CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, two soldiers standing facing, flanking two standards in center, heads confronted, each holds a spear in outer hand and rests inner hand on grounded shield, *PLG in ex; sharp portrait, large flan; rare (RIC R2); $75.00 (€57.75) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | Nicopolis ad Istrum was founded by Trajan around 101-106, at the junction of the Iatrus (Yantra) and the Rositsa rivers, in memory of his victory over the Dacians. Its ruins are located at the village of Nikyup, 20 km north of Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. The town peaked during the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, the Antonines and the Severan dynasty. In 447, Nicopolis was destroyed by Attila's Huns. In the 6th century, it was rebuilt as a powerful fortress enclosing little more than military buildings and churches, following a very common trend for the cities of that century in the Danube area. It was finally destroyed by the Avar invasions at the end of the 6th century. |
| RP39114. Bronze assarion, Varbanov I 3859, VF, weight 2.121 g, maximum diameter 18.5 mm, die axis 180o, Nikopolis mint, obverse AVT K M ANTWNINOC or similar, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICT[...], Nike standing right, and Elagabalus standing left holding spear, they erect a trophy of arms with two bound captives at the base; nice patina; rare; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Constantine II, 22 May 337 - March or April 340 A.D. |  | On 1 March 317, Constantine and Licinius elevated their sons Crispus, Constantine II (still a baby) and Licinius II to Caesars. After this arrangement Constantine ruled the dioceses Pannonia and Macedonia, and established his residence at Sirmium, from where he prepared a campaign against the Goths and Sarmatians. |
| RL43300. Bronze AE 3, RIC VII 173, EF, hair struck a bit soft, weight 3.495 g, maximum diameter 20.2 mm, die axis 0o, Treveri (Trier) mint, 317 - 318 A.D.; obverse FL CL CONSTANTINVS IVN N C, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantine II standing right holding transverse spear in right and globe in left, F left, T right, BTR in ex; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Quintillus, August or September - October or November 270 A.D. |  | "Mars the Pacifier" may be seen as ironic today, but the Romans knew that victory in war (hopefully including the total destruction of your enemy) is an effective way to achieve peace. |
| RB56342. Bronze antoninianus, RIC V 24, aVF, weight 3.588 g, maximum diameter 20.5 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 270 A.D.; obverse IMP C M AVR CL QVINTILLVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MARTI PACIF, Mars standing left in military garb, raising olive branch in right, spear in left, X left; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Philip II, July or August 247 - Late 249 A.D. |  | In 244, Philip the Arab maked a disgraceful peace with the Persians. He evacuated Syria and gives Shapur I 500,000 gold pieces.The Persians occupied Armenia. |
| RS57382. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 9240, RIC IV 218d corr., RSC IV 48, VF, weight 4.873 g, maximum diameter 24.1 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 244 - 246 A.D.; obverse M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip II standing left in military dress, globe in right, inverted spear behind in left; broad flan; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | In 244 A.D. Philip negotiated peace with the Persian invaders in order to deal with the troubles on the Rhine and Danube border. |
| RS57656. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8974, RIC IV 52, RSC IV 239, VF, toned, weight 4.128 g, maximum diameter 23.2 mm, die axis 75o, Rome mint, 244 - 245 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing left, helmeted, in military garb, branch in right, inverted spear behind in left, right foot on helmet; full circles strike; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D. |  | In 142, Antoninus Pius ordered the construction of the Antonine Wall. When complete the wall ran 39 miles (63 km) from Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire on the Firth of Clyde to Carriden near Bo'ness on the Firth of Forth (Scotland). The Romans built nineteen forts and smaller fortlets (milecastles), to protect the border against the Caledonians.
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| RB63259. Copper as, RIC III 678; BMCRE p. 218, 1361; Cohen 140, VF, weight 10.36 g, maximum diameter 27.6 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 140 - 144 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right, drapery on left shoulder; reverse CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C, Concordia standing half left, Victory in right offering wreath, legionary aquila vertical behind in left; $70.00 (€53.90) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | In 248, Trajan Decius put down the revolts of Pacatianus in Moesia and Iotapianus in Syria. In 249, after his legionaries proclaimed him emperor, Trajan Decius marched to Verona, where his forces defeated and killed Philip the Arab. |
| RS41769. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8949, RIC IV 7, RSC IV 145, VF, weight 4.381 g, maximum diameter 22.7 mm, die axis 225o, Rome mint, 248 A.D.; obverse IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P V COS III P P, Marti Pacifero standing left, wearing helmet and military garb, branch in right, supporting grounded spear and shield with left, officina mark A left; $65.00 (€50.05) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS46951. Silver denarius, SRCV II 7512, RIC IV 73, BMCRE V 38, RSC III 38, VF, weight 2.681 g, maximum diameter 19.9 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 219 A.D.; obverse IMP ANTONINVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right, from behind; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, holding standard and vexillum; frosty areas, nice style; $65.00 (€50.05) |
| Tacitus, 25 September 275 - 12 April 276 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB49569. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 25, VF, weight 3.757 g, maximum diameter 23.0 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, early 276 A.D.; obverse IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, holding two flanking standards, BA in exergue; $65.00 (€50.05) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | In 241 Timesitheus was appointed the head of the Praetorian Guard, Gordian married his daughter Tranquillina, and she received the honorific title of Augusta. The marriage indicates Gordian correctly understood that Timesitheus was indispensable. Timesitheus died under suspicious circumstances in 243. Not long after losing his protector, Gordian was murdered by mutinous soldiers in February 244. |
| RS60451. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8646, RIC IV 92, RSC IV 253, VF, weight 4.504 g, maximum diameter 22.0 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 241 - 243 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Gordian standing right, wearing military garb, spear in right, globe in left; uneven toning, full circles centering; $65.00 (€50.05) |
| Philip II, July or August 247 - Late 249 A.D. |  | |
| RS41686. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 9241, RIC IV 219, RSC IV 57, VF, weight 3.284 g, maximum diameter 23.5 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 246 - 247 A.D.; obverse M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip II standing left in military dress, globe in right, inverted spear in left, captive seated left at feet; full circles centering; $60.00 (€46.20) |
| Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB46827. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 169 corr., VF, weight 3.418 g, maximum diameter 23.2 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 281 A.D.; obverse IMP PROBVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, flanked by two standards, one in each hand, R thunderbolt E in ex; extensive silvering; $60.00 (€46.20) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS48818. Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 49, RSC IV 61, SRCV III 8929, VF, weight 4.011 g, maximum diameter 23.3 mm, die axis 45o, Rome mint, 249 A.D.; obverse IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse FIDES EXERCITVS, Fides standing left, standard in right, vexillum in left; near full circles centering; $60.00 (€46.20) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | Adventus reverse types commemorate the emperor's arrival at Rome, either at the commencement of his reign, or on his return from a distance. They may also refer to his arrival in some other city or province of the empire. At their accession, emperors were not conveyed in a chariot nor in any other vehicle, but went on horseback or on foot when they made their first public entry into the capital of the Roman world. |
| RS41808. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8916, RIC IV 26b, RSC IV 3, VF, mint luster, weight 4.488 g, maximum diameter 22.9 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 244 - 247 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse ADVENTVS AVGG, emperor on horseback left, raising right hand, scepter in left; $55.00 (€42.35) |
| Trajan Decius, July 249 - First Half of June 251 A.D. |  | In Roman religion every man has a genius, a presiding spirit. In De Die Natali, Censorinus says, from the moment we are born, we live under the guard and tutelage of Genius. Cities, organizations, and peoples also had a genius. On coins we find inscriptions to the Genius of the Roman people, of the Senate, of the Emperor, etc. The legend GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI dedicates this coin to the Genius of the army in Illyria (western Balkans).
Genius' image is of a man with a cloak half covering the shoulders leaving the rest of his body naked, holding a cornucopia in one hand, and a simpulum or a patera in the other. |
| RB53916. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 117a; Cohen 53, F, weight 15.914 g, maximum diameter 27.9 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 249 - 251 A.D.; obverse IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI S C, Genius standing left, naked except for polos on head, patera in right, cornucopia in left, standard behind; scarce; $55.00 (€42.35) |
| Gallienus, August 253 - 24 March 268 A.D. |  | | From the Antioch Hoard of Gallienus. | |
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| RS39816. Billon antoninianus, Göbl MIR 1666k, SRCV III 10403, RIC V 612, Cohen 1245, Choice aEF, weight 3.302 g, maximum diameter 21.1 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch mint, 267 A.D.; obverse GALLIENVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing right, wearing helmet and military garb, spear vertical with point up in right, resting left on grounded shield, PXV below; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | An uncommon type for Gordian! |
| RS41757. Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 147, RSC IV 160, SRCV III -, aVF, weight 3.383 g, maximum diameter 24.1 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 241 - 243 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM, Mars advancing right, helmeted, transverse spear in right, shield in left, cloak flying behind; well centered; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | 'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier, often a female, in armor holding a spear, parazonium, victory or a shield. Virtus and Mars can be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothed. |
| RS41763. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8668, RIC IV 6, RSC IV 381, VF, weight 4.632 g, maximum diameter 21.5 mm, die axis 45o, Rome mint, first issue, end of Jul 238 - end of Jul 239 A.D; obverse IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing half left, helmeted and in military dress, head left, resting right on shield set on ground, inverted spear in left; priceless smile; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RS41872. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8932, RIC IV 32b, RSC IV 55, VF, weight 3.969 g, maximum diameter 22.6 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 244 - 245 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse FIDES MILIT, Fides standing half left, standard in each hand; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Postumus, Summer 260 - Spring 269 A.D. |  | This coin is dedicated to the goddess Fides for her good quality of preserving the public peace by keeping the army true to its allegiance. |
| RB41918. Billon antoninianus, SRCV III 10940, RIC V 59, RSC IV 67, VF, weight 2.347 g, maximum diameter 21.4 mm, die axis 0o, Cologne mint, 260 - 265 A.D.; obverse IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate and draped bust right; reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides Militum standing half left, standard in each hand; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Carinus, First Half 283 - Spring 285 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt |  | In 282, Carus appointed his oldest son Marcus Aurelius Carinus, Caesar and co-emperor of the western Roman Empire. |
| RX42534. Billon tetradrachm, Milne 4679, Dattari 5578, Curtis 1913, Geissen 3169, SNG Cop 951, Kampmann 115.1, Emmett 4005, gVF, unusually thick flan, weight 8.338 g, maximum diameter 19.6 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria mint, as caesar, 29 Aug 282 - first half 283 A.D.; obverse A K M A KAPINOC K, laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse eagle standing left between two vexilla, wings open, head turned back right, wreath in beak, LA (year 1) above; nice portrait; $45.00 (€34.65) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. |  | |
| RS47947. Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 8646, RIC IV 92, RSC IV 253, VF, weight 3.482 g, maximum diameter 22.2 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 241 - 243 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Gordian standing right, wearing military garb, spear in right, globe in left; attractive portrait; $45.00 (€34.65) |
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