| Roman Provincial Coins from Dacia and Moesia |  |
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| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Odessos, Moesia Inferior |   | The ancients did not all agree on the attributes of Serapis. A passage in Tacitus affirms that many recognized in this god, Aesculapius, imputing healing to his intervention; some thought him identical with Osiris, the oldest deity of the Egyptians; others regarded him as Jupiter, possessing universal power; but by most he was believed to be the same as Pluto, the "gloomy" Dis Pater of the infernal regions. The general impression of the ancients seems to have been that by Serapis, was to be understood the beginning and foundation of things. Julian II consulted the oracle of Apollo for the purpose of learning whether Pluto and Serapis were different gods; and he received for an answer that Jupiter-Serapis and Pluto were one and the same divinity.
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RP65145. Bronze pentassarion, Varbanov I 4467, AMNG I/II 2342, VF, nice green patina, weight 11.419 g, maximum diameter 27.5 mm, die axis 180o, Odessos (Varna, Bulgaria) mint, obverse AYT K M, ANTΩNIOC ΓOP∆IANOC, laureate and draped bust of Gordian III right (on left), confronting draped bust of Serapis left with kalathos on head; reverse O∆HCCEITΩN, Athena standing left, helmeted, pouring libations from phaile in right, spear vertical behind in left, grounded shield at her side resting against her right leg, E upper left; $125.00 SALE PRICE $113.00 |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | Nicopolis ad Istrum can be said to have been the birthplace of Germanic literary tradition. The Gothic bishop, missionary and translator Ulfilas (Wulfila) obtained permission from Constantius II to immigrate with his flock of converts to Moesia and settle near Nicopolis ad Istrum in 347. There, he invented the Gothic alphabet and translated the Bible from Greek to Gothic. |
RP34260. Bronze AE 27, H-H-J Nikopolis 8.36.46.6 (R4), Varbanov I 4227, BMC Thrace -, SNG Cop -, gVF, nice green patina, weight 11.818 g, maximum diameter 26.9 mm, die axis 195o, Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup, Bulgaria) mint, consular legate Sabinius Modestus, 241 - 244 A.D.; obverse AYT K M ANTΩNIOC ΓOP∆IANOC, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse YΠ CAB MO∆ECTOY NIKOΠOΛEITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, tetrastyle temple containing statue of Herakles(?) resting on club(?) in right, pellet on pediment; bargin priced!; $110.00 SALE PRICE $99.00 |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Homonoia was the goddess (or spirit or personification) of harmony, concord, unanimity, and oneness of mind. She is usually depicted either seated or standing with a cornucopia. |
RP54113. Bronze AE 26, Varbanov 1526 var (obv legend); AMNG I/I 856 var (same); H-J Marcianopolis 6.26.36 var (same); SNG Cop 231 var (same); BMC Tauric p. 34, 47 var (same), aVF, weight 10.213 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, obverse AVT K M AVP ANTΩNEINOC, laureate bust right, from behind; reverse VΠ IOYΛ ANT CEΛEYKOY MARKIANOPOLITΩN, Homonoia standing left, patera in right, cornucopia in left; unpublished variant; $105.00 SALE PRICE $95.00 |
| Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | The ancients did not agree on the attributes of Serapis. A passage in Tacitus affirms that many recognized in this god, Aesculapius, imputing healing to his intervention; some thought him identical with Osiris, the oldest deity of the Egyptians; others regarded him as Jupiter, possessing universal power; but by most he was believed to be the same as Pluto, the "gloomy" Dis Pater of the infernal regions. On this coin, Pluto's influence is evident with the fearsome Kerberos at Serapis' feet. |
RP54128. Bronze AE 27, H-J Marcianopolis 6.18.6.5, Varbanov 977, AMNG I/I 636, VF, weight 13.050 g, maximum diameter 26.5 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, Quintilianus, consular legate, 215 A.D.; obverse ΠIOC AYΓ ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right; reverse YΠ KYNTIΛIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Hades-Serapis enthroned left, holding right hand over Kerberos, scepter in left; well centered, nice green patina; $100.00 SALE PRICE $90.00 |
| Julia Domna, Augusta 194 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | The first of Herakles' twelve labors, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin), was to slay the Nemean lion and bring back its skin. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than swords and could cut through any armor. Herakles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight the lion bit off one of his fingers. After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife from his belt, but failed. Wise Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told him to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt. |
RP63869. Bronze AE 19, H-J Marcianopolis 6.17.14.1 var (obv legend ends CEB), AMNG I/I 606 var (same), Varbanov I -, SNG Cop -, SNG Budapest -, VF, green patina, weight 4.628 g, maximum diameter 19.5 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, obverse IOYΛIA ∆OMNA XEΠ (sic, engraving error), draped bust right.; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛOITΩN, Hercules standing right wrestling the Nemean lion; rare; $95.00 SALE PRICE $85.50 |
| Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Renamed by Trajan after his sister, Ulpia Marciana, Marcianopolis was an important strategic center for centuries. The city was repeatedly destroyed by barbarian raids (Goths, Huns, Avars and others) but also was repeatedly rebuilt and prospered. During Valens' conflict with the Goths, Marcianopolis was a temporary capital of the empire and the largest city in Thrace. An Avar raid destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
RP65169. Bronze AE 22, SNG Budapest 81 (same dies); AMNG I/I obv: 587/ rev: 590; Varbanov I 735a var (AE20, CEΠ); BMC Thrace p. 28, 7 var (CE); H-J Marcianopolis -, Choice gVF, weight 6.062 g, maximum diameter 22.3 mm, die axis 225o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, 193 - 211 A.D.; obverse AY Λ CEΠTI CEYHPOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Homonoia standing left, kalathos on head, patera in right, cornucopia in left; rare; $95.00 SALE PRICE $85.50 |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Tomis, Moesia Inferior |  | The Roman poet Ovid was banished by Augustus to Tomis in 8 A.D. and died there eight years later. By his account, Tomis was "a town located in a war-stricken cultural wasteland on the remotest margins of the empire." |
RP48205. Bronze AE 27, Varbanov 5567, AMNG I/II 3402, SNG Stancomb -, VF, cleaning scratches, weight 13.328 g, maximum diameter 26.8 mm, die axis 30o, Tomis (Constanta, Romania) mint, obverse AYT K M ANT ΓOP∆IANOC AYΓ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from front; reverse MHTPO ΠONTOY TOMEΩC (final C in right field), Demeter standing left, grain and poppy in right, long torch vertical in left, ∆ left; $90.00 SALE PRICE $81.00 |
| Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 December 192 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Renamed by Trajan after his sister, Ulpia Marciana, Marcianopolis was an important strategic center for centuries. The city was repeatedly destroyed by barbarian raids (Goths, Huns, Avars and others) but also was repeatedly rebuilt and prospered. During Valens' conflict with the Goths, Marcianopolis was a temporary capital of the empire and the largest city in Thrace. An Avar raid destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
RP68278. Bronze AE 21, H-J Marcianopolis 6.10.38.1 (R2), Varbanov 709 (R3), AMNG I/I 541, SNG Cop -, F, well centered, scratches, weight 5.672 g, maximum diameter 21.5 mm, die axis 225o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, 177 - 192 A.D.; obverse AY K Λ • AYΠ KOMO∆OC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛEITΩN, Tyche standing facing, head left, wearing a turreted crown (or kalathos), rudder by tiller in right, cornucopia in left; $90.00 SALE PRICE $81.00 |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Renamed by Trajan after his sister, Ulpia Marciana, Marcianopolis was an important strategic center for centuries. The city was repeatedly destroyed by barbarian raids (Goths, Huns, Avars and others) but also was repeatedly rebuilt and prospered. During Valens' conflict with the Goths, Marcianopolis was a temporary capital of the empire and the largest city in Thrace. An Avar raid destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
RP70504. Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.37.5.- var (R6, obv legend, reverse legend arrangement), Varbanov I 1976 ff. var (R3, same); SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, VF, scratches, weight 11.799 g, maximum diameter 28.5 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, Tullius Menophilus, consular legate; obverse M ANTΩNIOX ΓOP∆IANOC AY, confronted busts; Gordian on left, laureate, draped, and cuirassed from behind; Serapis on right, draped, kalathos on head; AYT K M below; reverse YΠ MHNOΦIΛOY MAPKIANOΠOΛ,I/T/Ω/N (last four letters in right field), Demeter standing facing, wearing kalathos, grain in right, long torch vertical behind in left, E in left; an unpublished variation of a scarce type; $90.00 SALE PRICE $81.00 |
| Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | The first of Herakles' twelve labors, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin), was to slay the Nemean lion and bring back its skin. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than swords and could cut through any armor. Herakles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight the lion bit off one of his fingers. After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife from his belt, but failed. Wise Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told him to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt. |
RP56080. Bronze AE 21, H-J Marcianopolis 6.14.14.3, Varbanov I 733 var (obv legend), AMNG I/I 585 var (same), VF, nice green patina, weight 3.415 g, maximum diameter 20.0 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, obverse AV Λ CEΠT CEVHPOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Herakles strangling the Nemean lion; $85.00 SALE PRICE $76.50 |
| 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, H-H-J Nikopolis 8.26.47.6 (R3), Varbanov I 3859, AMNG I/I 2028 var (laureate head right), SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, VF, nice patina, weight 2.121 g, maximum diameter 18.5 mm, die axis 180o, Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup, Bulgaria) mint, obverse AVT K M ANTΩNINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, Nike standing right, and Elagabalus standing left holding spear, they erect a trophy of captured arms with two bound captives at the base; scarce; $60.00 SALE PRICE $54.00 |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | The consular legate's name is misspelled; it should be XEΛEYKOY (Seleukus). H-J Marcianopolis lists this reverse type with obverse legends including AYPH, AYPHΛI and AYPHΛIOC, but not the abbreviation AYP; however, see 6.26.36.12 for this obverse die, with a Homonoia seated reverse from the same magistrate. |
RP63338. Bronze AE 27, AMNG I/I 856 var (rev legend); H-J Marcianopolis 6.26.36.8 var (same and obv leg); Varbanov I 1572 var (same); BMC Thrace p. 34, 47 var (same), F, nice green patina, weight 8.960 g, maximum diameter 26.7 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, cons. legate Julius Antonius Seleukus, 218 -222; obverse AYT K M AYP ANTΩNEINOC, laureate head right; reverse YΠ IOYΛ ANT CEΠE−YKOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN (OU ligate, sic, should be CEΛE...), Homonoia standing half left, wearing kalathos, patera in right, cornucopia in left; USA import restricted type, from the old stock of a retiring Ohio dealer acquired by Forum in 2012; $60.00 SALE PRICE $54.00 |
| Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | The first of Herakles' twelve labors, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin), was to slay the Nemean lion and bring back its skin. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than swords and could cut through any armor. Herakles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight the lion bit off one of his fingers. After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife from his belt, but failed. Wise Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told him to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt. |
RP67903. Bronze assarion, H-H-J Nikopolis 8.14.14.25, AMNG I/I 1389, Varbanov I 2347, Moushmov 1010, BMC Thrace -, SNG Cop -, aVF, weight 3.725 g, maximum diameter 16.6 mm, die axis 225o, Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup, Bulgaria) mint, obverse AV K Λ C CEVHPOC, laureate bust right; reverse NIKOΠOΛI ΠPOC I, Herakles standing left, strangling the Nemean lion; $60.00 SALE PRICE $54.00 |
| Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 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 reached its peak during the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, the Antonines and the Severan dynasty. Minted under the consular legate (governor) Aurelius Gallus. |
RP68415. Bronze assarion, Varbanov 2986 (R5, same dies), H-H-J Nikopolis 8.18.27.1 (R5), AMNG I/I 1492, BMC Thrace -, SNG Cop -, VF, nice green patina, weight 2.988 g, maximum diameter 15.7 mm, die axis 225o, Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup, Bulgaria) mint, as caesar, 195 - 198 A.D.; obverse M AY KA ANTΩNIN−OC, bare head right; reverse NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC I, radiate head of Sol right, whip over shoulder; scarce; $60.00 SALE PRICE $54.00 |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Viminacium, Moesia Superior |  | Viminacium was a Roman Colony founded by Gordian III in 239 A.D. The usual legend is P.M.S. COL. VIM., abbreviating Provinciae Moesiae Superioris Colonia Viminacium. The usual type is a female personification of Moesia standing between a lion and a bull. The bull and the lion were symbols of the Legions VII and IV, which were quartered in the province. |
SH71793. Bronze provincial sestertius, H-J Viminacium 12 (R2); AMNG I/I 83; BMC Thrace p. 16, 12; SNG Cop 144; Varbanov I -, F, green patina, marks, weight 15.528 g, maximum diameter 30.4 mm, die axis 45o, Viminacium (near Stari Kostolac, Serbia) mint, 242 - 243 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M S COL VIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, extending hands over bull on left standing right and lion on right standing left, AN IIII (year 4 of the Viminacium colonial era) in ex; ; $50.00 SALE PRICE $45.00 |
| Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Renamed by Trajan after his sister, Ulpia Marciana, Marcianopolis was an important strategic center for centuries. The city was repeatedly destroyed by barbarian raids (Goths, Huns, Avars and others) but also was repeatedly rebuilt and prospered. During Valens' conflict with the Goths, Marcianopolis was a temporary capital of the empire and the largest city in Thrace. An Avar raid destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
RP63349. Bronze AE 25, Varbanov I 1696 (R3), H-J Marcianopolis 6.32.36.2 corr. (obv leg, R2), AMNG I/I 1035 var (AP also ligate), SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, VF, green patina, earthen encrustation, weight 8.748 g, maximum diameter 25.4 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, consular legate Umbrius Terebentinus, 225 - 229; obverse AYT K M AYP CEYH AΛEZAN∆POC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse HΓ OYM TEPEBENTIOY MAPKIANOΠOΛI,T−ΩN (HΓ & OY ligate, end in field), Homonoia standing slightly left, kalathos on head, sacrificing from patera in right over flaming altar at feet on left, cornucopia in right; USA import restricted type, from the old stock of a retiring Ohio dealer acquired by Forum in 2012; $40.00 SALE PRICE $36.00 |
| Severus Alexander and Julia Mamaea, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Severus Alexander was only 13 when he became emperor. His mother, Julia Mamaea, governed the Empire with the help of Domitius Ulpianus and a council of 16 senators. Although military command rested in the hands of his generals, Severus Alexander and Julia Mamaea both went to Syria for the campaign against Persia. After heavy losses on both sides, a truce was signed accepting the status quo. In 233, Alexander celebrated a triumph in Rome to commemorate his "victory." Mutinous soldiers led by Maximinus I murdered both Severus Alexander and his mother. |
RP63351. Bronze pentassarion, AMNG I/I 1084, Varbanov I 1853 corr. (R4), H-J Marcianopolis -, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, F, weight 11.20 g, maximum diameter 27.9 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, consular legate Fir. Philopappus, 229 - 235 A.D.; obverse AYT K M AYΠ CEYH AΛEΞAN∆ΠOC [KAI IYΛIA] MAMAIA, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right, confronting diademed and draped bust of Julia Mamaea left; reverse YΠ ΦIP ΦIΛOΠAΠΠOY MAΠKIANOΠO,ΛITΩN (ending in exergue), Hygieia standing right, feeding snake in arms from patera, E left; USA import restricted type, from the old stock of a retiring Ohio dealer acquired by Forum in 2012; rare; $38.00 SALE PRICE $34.20 |
| Philip I, the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Deultum, Thrace |  | Colonia Flavia Pacensis (or Pacifica) Deultum was founded by Vespasian. The colony assumed his family name, Flavia, and on account of Vespaian's devotion to the goddess of Peace (to whom he built a temple at Rome); it was called Pacensis (or Pacifica). |
RP63011. Bronze AE 22, Draganov Deultum 1561 (O160/R219), Varbanov II 2291, Jurukova 463, F, weight 4.451 g, maximum diameter 21.5 mm, die axis 180o, Deultum (Debelt, Bulgaria) mint, obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse COL FL PA-C DEVLT, Apollo standing facing, head right, right hand raised above head, bow in right, resting right arm on column around which a snake is coiled, bow and quiver at feet on left; $30.00 SALE PRICE $27.00 |
| Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | Renamed by Trajan after his sister, Ulpia Marciana, Marcianopolis was an important strategic center for centuries. The city was repeatedly destroyed by barbarian raids (Goths, Huns, Avars and others) but also was repeatedly rebuilt and prospered. During Valens' conflict with the Goths, Marcianopolis was a temporary capital of the empire and the largest city in Thrace. An Avar raid destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
RP63340. Bronze AE 26, H-J Marcianopolis 6.32.7.2 (R4), AMNG I/I 986, Varbanov I 1753 corr. (R5, laureate head), SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, F, weight 10.73 g, maximum diameter 25.7 mm, die axis 225o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, consular legate Iulius Gaetulicus, 222 - 225 A.D.; obverse AYT K M A XEY − AΛEΞAN∆POC, laureate and draped bust right, from behind; reverse YΠ IOY ΓETOY∆IKOY − MAPKIANOΠOΛIT (OY's and AP ligate), Apollo standing left, nude, patera in right, branch downward at side in left; USA import restricted type, from the old stock of a retiring Ohio dealer acquired by Forum in 2012; $29.00 SALE PRICE $26.10 |
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