| 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, Odessus 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; $140.00 (105.00) |
| Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D., Tomis, Moesia Inferior |  | Tomis (Constanta, Romania today) was founded by Greek colonists around 600 B.C. on the Black Sea shore for trade with the local Getic population. 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." |
| RP68780. Bronze AE 18, Varbanov 4646 (R6), AMNG I/II 2592, SNG Cop -, SNG Stancomb -, BMC Thrace -, VF, weight 4.517 g, maximum diameter 20.0 mm, die axis 0o, Tomis mint, obverse ∆OMETIANO-C KAICA ΓEPM, laureate head right; reverse TOM−ITΩN, Nike standing left on globe, wreath in right, palm frond in left; scarce; $140.00 (105.00) |
| 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. |
| RP64538. Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.37.36.4 (same dies); cf. Varbanov I 1994 (ANTWNIOC, E in left field); AMNG I/I -, Choice VF, weight 12.491 g, maximum diameter 27.3 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis mint, Tullius Menophilus, consular legate; obverse M ANT ΓOP∆IANOC AYI, AYT K below, confronted draped busts; Gordian on left, laureate and draped from behind; Serapis on right, draped, kalathos on head; reverse YΠ MHNOΦIΛOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Homonoia standing half left, wearing kalathos, patera in right, cornucopia in left, inverted E in right; $135.00 (101.25) |
| 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, Nikopolis 2012 8.36.46.6 (R4), Varbanov I 4227, gVF, weight 11.818 g, maximum diameter 26.9 mm, die axis 195o, Nicopolis ad Istrum 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; $120.00 (90.00) |
| 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 etc p. 34, 47 var (s, aVF, weight 10.213 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 0o, Marcianopolis 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; $120.00 (90.00) |
| 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, Varbanov 977, AMNG I/I 636, H-J Marcianopolis 6.18.6.5, VF, weight 13.050 g, maximum diameter 26.5 mm, die axis 180o, Marcianopolis 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; $115.00 (86.25) |
| 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, Marcianopolis mint, obverse IOYΛIA ∆OMNA XEΠ (sic, engraving error), draped bust right.; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛOITΩN, Hercules standing right wrestling the Nemean lion; rare; $110.00 (82.50) |
| Philip I, the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 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. |
| RP65168. Bronze AE 30, H-J Viminacium 32 (R2); Varbanov I 138 (R3); AMNG I/I 105; BMC Thrace p. 17, 25, VF, weight 16.417 g, maximum diameter 29.7 mm, die axis 180o, Viminacium mint, 247 - 248 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS 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 VIIII in exergue; $110.00 (82.50) |
| 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, Marcianopolis 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; $110.00 (82.50) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Odessos, Moesia Inferior |  | The Romans, whose fondness for new gods increased with the influence of their foreign conquests, introduced the worship of Serapis with the walls of their city; not, however, without opposition and resistance for a season on the part of the senate to the popular thirst after such novelties. Through the influence of P. Victor an altar was erected to Serapis in the Circus Flaminii, and it quickly assumed the form of a superb temple which, after its Alexandrine prototype, was called the Serapeon. The principal Italian cities, never far behind Rome, soon imitated her example, and it was not long before the worship of Serapis was extended from Italy by the different colonies sent from that country into Asia Minor. |
| RP68087. Bronze pentassarion, Varbanov 4490 (R3), AMNG I/II 2364, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, VF, weight 10.847 g, maximum diameter 25.7 mm, die axis 45o, Odessus mint, obverse AYT K M ANT ΓOP∆IANOC AYΓ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right confronting draped bust of Serapis wearing modius left; reverse O∆HCCEITΩN, Gordian in military attire standing left, Nike on globe holding wreath and palm in right, inverted spear in left, foot on prow, E left; ; $110.00 (82.50) |
| Geta, 209 - c. 26 December 211 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | The figure on the reverse is sometimes identified as Eros (Cupid) or a generic winged Genius. The inverted torch represents a life extinguished, indicating the figure is Thanatos (death). By the Severan Era, there was increased hope for an afterlife in pleasant Elysium than in dismal Hades and Thanatos was associated more with a gentle passing than a woeful demise. Thanatos as a winged boy, very much akin to Cupid, with crossed legs and an inverted torch, became the most common symbol for death, depicted on many Roman sarcophagi. |
| RP64004. Bronze AE 18, Varbanov I 1110 (same dies), H-L Marcianopolis 6.22.41.2 (but same obv die as 6.22.41.3), AMNG I -, VF, weight 3.205 g, maximum diameter 16.8 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis mint, obverse Π CEΠTI ΓETAC K, draped bust right, from behind; reverse MAPKIANO−ΠOΛITΩN, Thanatos standing left, legs crossed, leaning on inverted extinguished torch set on altar; $100.00 (75.00) |
| Diadumenian, Mid May - 8 June 218 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | Hestia is the Greek virgin goddess of the hearth, architecture, and the right ordering of domesticity, the family and the state. She is a daughter of Cronus and Rhea. Hestia received the first offering at every sacrifice in the household. In the public domain, the hearth of the prytaneum functioned as her official sanctuary. With the establishment of a new colony, flame from Hestia's public hearth in the mother city would be carried to the new settlement. She sat on a plain wooden throne with a white woolen cushion and did not trouble to choose an emblem for herself. Her Roman equivalent is Vesta. |
| RP68783. Bronze AE 27, Nikopolis 2012 8.25.5.1 (R3, same dies); AMNG I/I 1793 and pl. XIV, 20 (same die); Mouchmov 1323; cf. Varbanov I 3640 (Hera), F, weight 12.963 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 180o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, magistrate Marcus Claudius Agrippa, 217 - 218 A.D.; obverse K M OΠΠEΛ ANTΩNI ∆IA∆OYMENIANOC, bust right; reverse YΠ AΓPIΠΠA NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠP,OC ICTP, Hestia(?) standing left, phiale in right, long burning torch vertical behind in left; $100.00 (75.00) |
| 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 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; $95.00 (71.25) |
| 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 mint, obverse AV Λ CEΠT CEVHPOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Herakles strangling the Nemean lion; $95.00 (71.25) |
| Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia |  | Nikopolis 2012 lists the reverse legend as YΠ A OOYIN TEPTYΛΛOY NIKOΠOΛEΩC and includes photographs of two examples. The listed reverse legend appears to be a match for one of the photographed coins, but the other coin was struck with the same reverse die as this coin. |
| RP62919. Bronze AE 27, Nikopolis 2012 8.14.10.2 corr. (rev legend, R5), Varbanov I 2756 var (rev legend, R3), AMNG I/I -, SNG Cop -, F, perfect centering, weight 13.262 g, maximum diameter 27.2 mm, die axis 90o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, consular legate Ovinius Tertullus, 198 - 201 A.D.; obverse AV K Λ CEVHPOC Π, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse YΠA OOY TEPTYΛΛOY NIKOΠO ΠPOC I, Hermes standing slightly left, nude but for drapery over left arm, purse in right, caduceus in left; very rare; $95.00 (71.25) |
| 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, Marcianopolis 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 (67.50) |
| 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, AMNG I/I 1389, Varbanov I 2347, aVF, weight 3.725 g, maximum diameter 16.6 mm, die axis 225o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, obverse AV K Λ C CEVHPOC, laureate bust right; reverse NIKOΠOΛI ΠPOC I, Herakles strangling the Nemean lion; $80.00 (60.00) |
| Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 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 finally destroyed the city in 614 or 615. |
| RP63367. Bronze AE 28, Apparently unpublished; cf. H-J Marcianopolis 6.18.31.4 (same obv die) and 6.14.1.12 (Septimius Severus, same rev die), Varbanov 830 (same rev die), F, weight 9.479 g, maximum diameter 27.9 mm, die axis 0o, Marcianopolis mint, Flavius Ulpianus, 210 - 211 A.D.; obverse AYK M AYP − ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right; reverse Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, eagle stands facing, wings open, head right, wreath in beak; extremely rare; $70.00 (52.50) |
| 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, Nikopolis 2012 8.26.47.6 (R3), Varbanov I 3859, AMNG I/I 2028 var (laureate head right), SNG Cop -, VF, weight 2.121 g, maximum diameter 18.5 mm, die axis 180o, Nicopolis ad Istrum 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 arms with two bound captives at the base; nice patina; scarce; $60.00 (45.00) |
| 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, Marcianopolis 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; $60.00 (45.00) |
| Elagabalus and Julia Maesa, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | After her nephew, Caracalla, was murdered, Julia Maesa, successfully used her ample funds to plot the overthrow the usurper Macrinus and place her grandson, Elagabalus, on the throne. The teenager was a disaster as emperor, scorning Roman values with religious and sexual scandals. She cleverly convinced Elagabalus to adopt her other grandson, Alexander, as his heir. Shortly after Elagabalus and his mother were murdered by the Praetorian Guard, dragged through the streets and thrown into the Tiber. Through it all Maesa maintained her power behind the throne. |
| RP63337. Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.28.21.3 (R6) var, AMNG I/I 958 var, Varbanov I 1634 (R3) var, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace - (all var. laur. hd. vice dr., cuir.), F, centered, weight 10.79 g, maximum diameter 26.6 mm, die axis 15o, Marcianopolis mint, cons. legate Julius Antonius Seleucus, 218 - 222; obverse AYT K M AYP ANTΩNEINOC AYΓ IOYΛIA MAICA AYΓ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right confronting diademed and draped bust of Maesa left; reverse YΠ IOYΛ ANT CEΛEYKOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN (OY's ligate), Hygeia standing right feeding serpent from patera, E right; rare variant; $45.00 (33.75) |
| Caracalla and Julia Domna, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | When Severus died in 211, Julia became the mediator between their two quarrelling sons, Caracalla and Geta, who were to rule as joint emperors. Caracalla convinced his mother to call Geta for a reconciliation meeting in her residence. It was a trick. In his mother's house, Caracalla's soldiers attacked and Geta died in their mother's arms. Afterwards, Julia's relationship with Caracalla was understandably difficult. Nevertheless, she accompanied him on his Parthian campaign in 217. During this trip, Caracalla was assassinated, after which Julia committed suicide. Her body was brought to Rome and she was later deified. |
| RP63342. Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.19.34.1 (R5, same dies), AMNG I 681 var (togate, E rev.), Varbanov I 1026 var (same), SNG Cop -, SNG Mόnchen -, SNG Hungary, BMC -, F, weight 11.92 g, maximum diameter 27.2 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis mint, consular legate Quintilianus, 215 A.D.; obverse ANTΩNINOC AYΓOYCTOC IOYΛIA − ∆OMNA (ending across upper field), laureate head of Caracalla right, confronting diademed and draped bust of Julia Domna left; reverse YΠ KYNTIΛIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, emperor standing left, in military attire, sacrificing from patera in left over flaming altar, reversed spear (or scepter) vertical behind in left; rare; $45.00 (33.75) |
| Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 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 bull and the lion were symbols of the Legions VII and IV, which were quartered in the province. |
RP68947. Bronze provincial sestertius, Varbanov I 135, AMNG I/I 102, Martin 2.12, gF, well centered, weight 19.903 g, maximum diameter 29.6 mm, die axis 0o, Viminacium mint, 245 - 246 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; 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 VI in ex (year 6 of Colonial Era of Viminacium); large provincial bronze; $45.00 SALE PRICE $40.50 ON RESERVE |
| 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 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; $40.00 (30.00) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | |
| RP63355. Bronze AE 27, Nikopolis 2012 8.26.4.2 (R5), AMNG I/I 1924, Varbanov I 3931 (R4), SNG Cop -, F, weight 11.84 g, maximum diameter 27.0 mm, die axis 0o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, consular legate Novius Rufus, 218 - 219 A.D.; obverse AYT K M AYΠH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate head right; reverse YΠ NOBIOY ΠOY−Φ−OY NIKOΠOΛI,TΩN ΠPOC / ICTPΩ (legend ending in two lines in ex), Athena enthroned left, Nike in extended right, spear behind in left, shield at side against throne; rare; $39.00 (29.25) |
| Diadumenian, Mid May - 8 June 218 A.D., Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | The reverse legend identifies the consular legate (governor) Statius Longinus. |
| BB63364. Bronze AE 27, Varbanov I 3762 (R3), Nikopolis 2012 8.25.38.6 var (reverse legend, R4), AMNG I/I 1864 ff. var (same), SNG Cop -, F, weight 11.32 g, maximum diameter 27.5 mm, die axis 45o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, as caesar, 11 Apr 217 - May 218; obverse M OΠEΛ ∆IA∆OYMENIANOC K (OU ligate), bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse YΠ CTA ΛONΓINOY NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPΩ, Tyche-Fortuna standing left, kalathos on head, rudder in right, cornucopia in left; scarce variant; $38.00 (28.50) |
| Diadumenian, mid May - 8 June 218 A.D., Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior |  | Hygieia (Salus to the Romans) was the goddess of health. She was the daughter of Aesculapius, the god of medicine and healing, and Epione, the goddess of soothing of pain. Her fatther Asclepius learned the secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one serpent bringing another healing herbs. Woman seeking fertility, the sick, and the injured slept in his temples in chambers where non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor and provide healing. |
| BB63330. Bronze AE 26, AMNG I/I 1854 (same reverse die), Varbanov I 3766 (R3), Nikopolis 2012 8.25.21.6 var (legends, R6), SNG Cop, F, weight 10.79 g, maximum diameter 26.0 mm, die axis 0o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, consular legate Statius Longus, 217 - 8 Jun 218; obverse K M OΠEΛ ANTΩN ∆IA∆OYMENIANOC, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse YΠ CTATIOY ΛONΓINOY NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC IC,TP−Ω (end across field), Hygieia standing right, feeding snake in right from patera in left; rare; $38.00 (28.50) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Hadrianopolis, Thrace |  | |
| RP63332. Bronze AE 25, Jurukova 543, Varbanov II 3724 (R4), SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, F, weight 8.741 g, maximum diameter 25.2 mm, die axis 180o, Hadrianopolis mint, c. 241 - 244 A.D.; obverse AVT K M ANT GOR∆IANOC AVΓ (VΓ ligate), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse A∆PIANOΠOΛEITΩN, Artemis standing slightly left, quiver on shoulder, patera in right, bow in left, stag left at feet left; $38.00 (28.50) |
| 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 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; rare; $38.00 (28.50) |
| Caracalla and Julia Domna, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior |  | When Severus died in 211, Julia became the mediator between their two quarrelling sons, Caracalla and Geta, who were to rule as joint emperors. Caracalla convinced his mother to call Geta for a reconciliation meeting in her residence. It was a trick. In his mother's house, Caracalla's soldiers attacked and Geta died in their mother's arms. Afterwards, Julia's relationship with Caracalla was understandably difficult. Nevertheless, she accompanied him on his Parthian campaign in 217. During this trip, Caracalla was assassinated, after which Julia committed suicide. Her body was brought to Rome and she was later deified. |
| RP63352. Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.19.38.3 (same dies, R3); Varbanov I 1054 (same coin as H-J, R3); AMNG I/I 678; SNG Cop 220; BMC Thrace p. 31, 21, F, weight 12.33 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 0o, Marcianopolis mint, consular legate Quintilianus, 215 A.D.; obverse ANTΩNINOC AYΓOYCTOC IOςΛIA, ∆OMNA (ending in field above heads), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, confronting draped bust of Julia Domna left; reverse YΠ KYNTIΛIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Tyche-Fortuna standing slightly left, kalathos on head, rudder in right, cornucopia in left, E upper left; $38.00 (28.50) |
| 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 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 (22.50) |
| Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Odessos, Moesia Inferior |  | Major athletic games were held at Odessa every five years. Gordian III may have attended them in 238 A.D. |
| RP62892. Bronze AE 25, Varbanov I 4446, AMNG I/II 2318, SNG Milan 498, aVF, grainy, weight 8.251 g, maximum diameter 24.7 mm, die axis 0o, Odessus mint, obverse AYT K M ANT Γ−OP∆IANOC AVΓ (VΓ ligate), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse O∆HCCEITΩN, the Great God of Odessos standing left, wearing kalathos, patera in extended right over flaming alter at feet on left, cornucopia in left; $29.00 (21.75) |
| 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. |
| RP63190. Bronze AE 18, Nikopolis 2012 8.26.48.3 (R2), Varbanov I 3833 var (obv legend, R3), AMNG I/I 2037 var (bust), SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, Lindgren -, VF, weight 3.639 g, maximum diameter 16.68 mm, die axis 0o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, obverse AY K M AYP ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right; reverse NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, crescent and three stars; $29.00 (21.75) |
| 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. |
| RP63482. Bronze AE 25, H-J Marcianopolis 6.32.1.8 (R3); AMNG I/I 1021; Varbanov I 1775; SNG Cop 246; BMC Thrace p. 37, 72, F, flan crack, cleaning scratches, green patina, weight 8.445 g, maximum diameter 25.1 mm, die axis 180o, Markianopolis mint, consular legate Tiberius Julius Festus, 222 - 235; obverse AYT K M AYP CEYH AΛEZAN∆POC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse YΠ TIB IOYΛ ΦHCTOY MAPKIANOΠOΛIT,ΩN (OY, AP ligate, ΩN ligate in exergue, eagle standing slightly right, wings open, head and tail left, wreath in beak; $29.00 (21.75) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Nikopolis ad Istrum, 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. |
| RP63370. Bronze AE 27, Nikopolis 2012 8.26.36.10, AMNG I/I 1966 var (draped and cuirassed), Varbanov I 3917 var (same), SNG Cop -, F, weight 10.73 g, maximum diameter 25.8 mm, die axis 180o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, consular legate Novius Rufus, 218 - 219 A.D.; obverse AYT K M AYΠH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate head right; reverse YΠ NOBIOY ΠOYΦOY NIKOΠOΛITΩN, ΠPOC I/CTP (ending in two lines in exergue), Homonoia standing left, patera in right, cornucopia in left; $29.00 (21.75) |
| 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. |
| RP63371. Bronze AE 25, cf. H-J Marcianopolis 6.32.36.9-13 (R2), Varbanov I 1696 (R3), AMNG I/I 1035, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, F, cleaning scratches, weight 8.828 g, maximum diameter 25.2 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis 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 MAPKIANOΠOΛ,ITΩN (end in exergue), Homonoia standing slightly left, sacrificing from patera in right over flaming altar at feet on left, cornucopia in right; $29.00 (21.75) |
| 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 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; $29.00 (21.75) |
| Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, 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. |
| RP66924. Bronze AE 27, H-J Marcianopolis 6.18.1.8 (R3), AMNG I/I 645, Varbanov I 969 (R3), SNG Cop -, SNG Budapest -, SNG Mόnchen -, BMC Thrace -, aF, weight 9.894 g, maximum diameter 26.7 mm, die axis 0o, Marcianopolis mint, consular legate Quintilianus, 215 A.D.; obverse ΠIOC AVΓOVCTOC ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right; reverse YΠ KYNTIΛIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛITΩN, eagle standing facing on exergue line, wings half open, head left; $18.00 (13.50) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Nicopolis 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. |
| RP63180. Bronze AE 16, Nikopolis 2012 8.26.10 (R2), Varbanov I 3823 (R2), AMNG I/I 2034 var (rev legend arrangement), aVF, green patina, weight 2.238 g, maximum diameter 16.3 mm, die axis 180o, Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, obverse AV K M AVP ANTΩNINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON (final N in left field), bunch of grapes; $2.49 (1.87) |
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