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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Themes & Provenance| ▸ |Geography||View Options:   | | | Every ancient coin is associated with a place, at the least where it was minted. Rarely, but occasionally, we learn where a coin was found. Many ancient coins depict the personification of a nation, province, city, or river. Every coin has some tie to geography. Of course collecting every coin is not a theme, so geography must be narrowed down in some way. Collecting the coins of one mint, city or region is popular. Hadrian's famous "travel series" would make an excellent geography theme collection. Another is the travels of Paul. Or you could collect coins from all places you simply find captivating. |
The rabbit on the reverse is in reference to the Roman province of Hispania Baetica and the issue is an appeal for the aid of the gods as during Hadrian's first travels around the empire, leaving Rome in 121. On this example, Minerva is shown in her "peace-giving" aspect versus her more often seen guise of war.SH34690. Gold aureus, Calico 1309 var. (obv legend break), RIC II 70 var. (same plus portrait and spear vice scepter); BMCRE III 117 - 118 var. (same); SRCV II -, VF, some circulation marks, weight 7.129 g, maximum diameter 19.7 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 119 - 122 A.D.; obverse IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HA-DRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right from behind; reverse P M TR P COS III, Minerva standing facing, helmeted head left, long scepter in left hand, right hand pointing to Spanish olive tree on left, rabbit right at the base of the tree; ex Munzhandlung Basel, 6 March 1936 (Dr. H St. S & Prince Waldeck); very rare; SOLD
Claudius, 25 January 41 - 13 October 54 A.D.
Nice early portrait of Claudius. Claudius inherited a nearly bankrupt treasury from his nephew Caligula. A large gold statue of Caligula was probably melted to provided the gold for Claudius' first issue of aureii.SH33184. Gold aureus, SRCV I 1831, RIC I 15, Cohen 34, BMCRE I 16, BnF II 30, VF, weight 7.644 g, maximum diameter 19.1 mm, die axis 225o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 41 - 42 A.D.; obverse TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P, head right wearing oak wreath; reverse EX S C OB CIVES SERVATOS within Corona Civica, an oak wreath awarded "for saving the lives of citizens"; impressive portrait and attractive reddish tone, similar to that of the Boscoreale Hoard found near Pompeii, small spot of rim filing at 2:00, a few small scratches and dings; rare (R2); SOLD
Macedonian Kingdom, Ptolemy I, Satrap of Egypt, 323 - 305 B.C., In the Name of Alexander the Great
In 332 B.C., Alexander the Great marched into Egypt, where he was regarded as a liberator and crowned pharaoh in the Temple of Ptah at Memphis. On either 10 or 11 June 323 B.C., Alexander died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon, at age 32. While Alexander's funeral cortege was on its way to Macedonia, Ptolemy I stole Alexander's body and carried it to the heart of the Temple of Ptah, where he had him embalmed by the priests. Alexander's body was laid in a gold anthropoid sarcophagus that was filled with honey, which was in turn placed in a gold casket. Ptolemy claimed that the king himself had officially expressed a desire to be buried in Egypt. More likely, he was motivated by the custom that kings in Macedon asserted their right to the throne by burying their predecessor. Ptolemy II later transferred Alexander's sarcophagus to Alexandria, where a royal tomb was constructed. Ptolemy X Alexander replaced Alexander's gold sarcophagus and casket with glass and stuck coins with the gold. The exact location of Alexander's tomb has been lost.SH68257. Gold stater, Lorber CPE 29 (notes 10 recorded specimens), Svoronos 11, Price 3975, Müller Alexander 6, SNG Cop 643, EF, elegant style, a few light marks, beautiful!, weight 8.554 g, maximum diameter 19.1 mm, die axis 0o, Egypt, Memphis mint, reign of Philip III, c. 318 - 317 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right wearing earring, necklace, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled snake, hair in ringlets; reverse Nike standing left, wreath in right hand, stylus in left, thunderbolt left, small ΔI at feet on left, AΛEΞANΔPOY downward on right; ex Gorny & Mosch auction 215 (13 Oct 2013), lot 775; SOLD
Claudius, 25 January 41 - 13 October 54 A.D.
The reverse inscription abbreviates Senatus Populusque Romanus, Pater Patre, Ob Cives Servatos, meaning "[Awarded by] the senate and the Roman people [to the] father of the country for saving citizens." The wreath on the reverse is the corona civica, the oak wreath awarded to Roman citizens ex senatus consulto (by special decree of the Senate) for saving the life of another citizen by slaying an enemy in battle. It became a prerogative for Roman emperors to be awarded the Civic Crown, originating with Augustus, who was awarded it in 27 B.C. for saving the lives of citizens by ending the series of civil wars.SH76407. Silver denarius, RIC I 41 (R2), RSC II 87, BMCRE I 45, BnF II 59, Hunter I 16, SRCV I 1848, aEF, nice portrait, some die wear, nice surfaces with some light marks and areas of mild porosity, weight 3.745 g, maximum diameter 18.8 mm, die axis 270o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 46 - 47 A.D.; obverse TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P VI IMP XI, laureate head right; reverse S P Q R / P P / OB C S in three lines within the Corona Civica, an oak wreath awarded "for saving the lives of citizens"; from the Jeff Michniak Collection, the first example of this type handled by Forum; very rare; SOLD
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D.
The "Gold Tribute Penny." The Gospel of Thomas 100:1-4 (excluded from the New Testament) tells a slightly different version of the "Tribute Penny" story.."They showed Jesus a gold (coin) and said to him: Caesar’s agents demand taxes from us. He said to them: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; give to God what belongs to God, and give to me what is mine."SH49602. Gold aureus, Giard Lyon, group 1, 143; RIC I 25 (R2); BMCRE I 30; SRCV I 1760; Calico 305d (S.1); Cohen I 15; SRCV I 1760, VF, weight 7.803 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 90o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, early 'plain' fine style, c. 15 - 18 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with plain legs set on base, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, no footstool; a beautiful coin; ex Pietro Paolo Studio Numismatico, Pulsano, Taranto, Italy; rare (R2); SOLD
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.
"At the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia was Rome's seaport. Ostia means mouth in Latin. This coin was issued to commemorate the completion of an artificial harbor at Ostia, begun under Claudius in 42 A.D. and completed under Nero in 64 A.D.
The earliest known post-diaspora house-synagogue was at Ostia. In 387, St. Augustine stayed in Ostia with his mother, who died there.
Ostia began to decline in the Severan period. By the Constantine Dynasty, Portus was the main port for Rome. Earthquake damage at Ostia was left uncleared. At the end of the fifth century the aqueduct stopped functioning. In 537 with the area under attack from the Goths, the remaining inhabitants retreated to the theater, which they turned into a little fortress. Early in the ninth century Ostia was captured by the Saracens and abandoned.
Ostian marble was reused in the cathedrals of Pisa, Florence, Amalfi and Orvieto. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was entirely built of material from Ostia. Despite all this, Ostia today is known for its well preserved ruins and magnificent frescos. SH32118. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 440, BMCRE I 323, Mac Dowall WCN 420, Cohen I 251, BnF II 75, Hunter I -, SRCV I -, Choice VF, pourous surfaces, weight 24.599 g, maximum diameter 35.4 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 65 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of bust; reverse bird's eye view of the Port of Ostia, eight ships in the harbor, statue of Neptune on lighthouse at top, river-god Tiber reclining holding rudder and dolphin below, all flanked by colonnade ending in temple on left and boat slips on right, S - C above, PORT AVG below; nice portrait, ex Stack's Coin Galleries; rare and historic; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, 285 - 246 B.C.
SL111466. Gold pentekontadrachmon (50 drachms), Lorber CPE 314; Svoronos 604; BMC Ptolemies p. 40, 4 - 5; SNG Cop 133; SGCV II 7790, NGC CH F, strike 5/5, surface 3/5 (6558782-002), weight 13.840 g, maximum diameter 20.1 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria mint, 285 - Aug 272 B.C.; obverse AΔEΛΦΩN, jugate busts of Ptolemy II Philadelphos, diademed and draped, and Arsinoe II, diademed and veiled, Galatian shield behind; reverse ΘEΩN, jugate busts of Ptolemy I Soter, diademed and wearing aegis, and Berenike I, diademed and veiled; ex Harlan J. Berk; NGC| Lookup; SOLD
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D.
The "Gold Tribute Penny." The Gospel of Thomas 100:1-4 (excluded from the New Testament) tells a slightly different version of the "Tribute Penny" story.."They showed Jesus a gold (coin) and said to him: Caesar’s agents demand taxes from us. He said to them: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; give to God what belongs to God, and give to me what is mine."SH43071. Gold aureus, Giard Lyon, group 1, 143; RIC I 25 (R2); BMCRE I 30; SRCV I 1760; Calico 305d (S.1); Cohen I 15; SRCV I 1760, aVF, nicely centered, weight 7.523 g, maximum diameter 19.6 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, early 'plain' fine style, c. 15 - 18 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with plain legs set on base, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, no footstool; rare (R2); SOLD
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.
A decursio was a military exercise, by which Roman soldiers were taught to make long marches in a given time, under arms and without quitting their ranks. They sometimes consisted of a mock fight between two divisions. Augustus and subsequently Hadrian ordered that the infantry and cavalry were to march out three times a month ten miles from the camp and ten miles back, fully armed and equipped. Decursio on this coin probably refers Nero's participation in mock military maneuvers in the circus.SH38174. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 436, Mac Dowall WCN 418, BMCRE I 312 ff., gVF, weight 27.255 g, maximum diameter 37.1 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, c. 65 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, globe at point of bust; reverse DECVRSIO (in exergue), Nero and a companion on horseback prancing right, Nero holds spear in right hand, companion holds vexillum in right over shoulder, S - C (senatus consulto) flanking across field; superb portrait; SOLD
Caligula, 16 March 37 - 24 January 41 A.D., Germanicus Reverse
Issued under Caligula in honor of his deceased father. Germanicus inflicted serious defeats on the barbarian tribes in Germania and recovered the legionary standards lost by Varus. He was to be Tiberius' successor but died of an unknown cause. His tremendous popularity helped his son Caligula obtain the throne after Tiberius died.SH37588. Silver denarius, RIC I 18, BnF II 28, BMCRE I 19, RSC I 2, SRCV I 1813 var, gVF, surface roughness, weight 3.313 g, maximum diameter 20.3 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, struck under Caligula, 37 A.D.; obverse C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, laureate head of Caligula right; reverse GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM, bare head of Germanicus right; SOLD
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
The Altar of Lugdunum and the Sanctuary of the Three Gauls were dedicated by Augustus on 1 August 10 B.C., the very same day Drusus' son, the future emperor Claudius, was born in Lugdunum. All the notable men of Gaul were invited. Caius Julius Vercondaridubnus, a member of the Aedui tribe, was the first priest of the new imperial cult. The altar, which was engraved with the names of 60 Gallic tribes, was featured prominently on coins from the Lugdunum mint for many years.SH110377. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 231a, Lyon 95, BMCRE I 565, BnF I 1699; Giard Lyon 95; SRCV I 1657, Cohen I 236, VF, near centered on a tight flan, nice portrait, attractive toned surfaces, some green patina, small spots of light corrosion, weight 23.091 g, maximum diameter 33.9 mm, die axis 0o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 10 - 14 A.D.; obverse CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right; reverse ROM ET AVG, front elevation of the Altar of Lugdunum, decorated with the corona civica between laurels, these being flanked by nude male figures, the altar is flanked on each side by a Victory on a column, facing inward and bearing a wreath and palm frond; ex CGB auction (7 Aug 2021), lot 100; ex the collection of J. H.; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy IV Philopator, 221 - 204 B.C.
An apparently unique tetradrachm with the Akko mintmark and the two letters perhaps associated with Sosibius, advisor to Ptolemy IV.
Ptolemy IV's surname Philopator means father lover, ironic since according to some authorities he poisoned his father. Ptolemy IV is a major protagonist of the apocryphal 3 Maccabees, which describes events following the Battle of Raphia, in both Jerusalem and Alexandria. He was a cruel and evil monarch.SH64462. Silver tetradrachm, unpublished, cf. Svoronos 786 (Ptolemy II, different monogram), SNG Milan -, SNG Cop -; BMC Ptolemies -, Noeske -, Hosking -, VF, weight 13.792 g, maximum diameter 25.5 mm, die axis 0o, Galilee, Ake Ptolemais (Acre, Israel) mint, 205 B.C.; obverse diademed bust of Ptolemy right wearing aegis; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY ΣΩTHPOΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head left, wings closed, ΠTO monogram at left, retrograde ΣΩ right; perhaps unique; SOLD
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D.
The "Gold Tribute Penny." The Gospel of Thomas 100:1-4 (excluded from the New Testament) tells a slightly different version of the "Tribute Penny" story.."They showed Jesus a gold (coin) and said to him: Caesar’s agents demand taxes from us. He said to them: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; give to God what belongs to God, and give to me what is mine."SH57789. Gold aureus, Giard Lyon, group 2, 145; RIC I 27 (R2); BMCRE I 40; Calico 305a (S.3); Cohen I 15; SRCV I 1760, VF, weight 7.702 g, maximum diameter 18.8 mm, die axis 0o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, early ornate style, 15 - 18 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with ornately decorated legs set on base, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, no footstool; rare; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, 285 - 246 B.C.
Use of the title "King" suggests a date before 261 B.C. The style of the portrait is that of mid-reign of Ptolemy II, and unlike and finer than those of the Phoenician mints. The portrait style and compact lettering are similar to those on the rare ΘΕ mintmark coins, probably struck at Thera, an Aegean base for the Ptolemaic Navy. A dolphin mintmark was used on Alexander tetradrachms from an unknown Greek or Macedonian mint. Perhaps this coin was struck in the same uncertain Greek city.SH66538. Silver tetradrachm, unpublished(?), not in references held by Forum and no examples found online, VF, reverse graffiti, weight 14.083 g, maximum diameter 27.6 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Greek(?) mint, c. 265 B.C.; obverse diademed bust of Ptolemy I right with aegis; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head left, wings closed, dolphin left before; ex Pegasi, unpublished, puzzling and possibly unique; SOLD
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
Strabo wrote, "The Romans possess Lugdunum, founded below a ridge at the confluence of the Arar and the Rhone. It is the most populous of all the other cities except Narbo; for it is a center of commerce, and the Roman emperors strike their silver and gold coinage there." (4.3.2)
RS85086. Silver denarius, RIC I 167a, BMCRE I 451, RSC I 137, BnF I 1373, Hunter I 197, SRCV I 1610, Choice near Mint State, well centered and struck, lustrous, very light rose-gold toning, some light marks and deposits, weight 3.606 g, maximum diameter 19.4 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 15 - 13 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right, dot border; reverse bull butting right, left foreleg raised, lashing tail, IMP•X in exergue, linear border; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, 51 - 30 B.C.
Cleopatra VII is of the most famous women in all of history. She originally shared power with her father Ptolemy XII and later with her brother-husbands Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV. Her relationship with Julius Caesar led to sole rule. Later she aligned with and married Mark Antony. Her suicide after they were defeated by Octavian marks the end of the Hellenistic Era and the beginning of the Roman Era. She was the last Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Click to see a video demonstration recreating Cleopatra's hairstyle. GP93416. Bronze hemiobol, Svoronos 1872; Weiser 184; SNG Cop 422; BMC Alexandria p. 123, 5; Noeske 383; Sear CRI 949, Choice aVF, nice portrait, well centered, attractive green and brown surfaces, scratches, beveled obverse edge, weight 8.195 g, maximum diameter 21.1 mm, die axis 0o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, 51 - 30 B.C.; obverse diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right, characteristic melon coif; reverse KΛEOΠATPAΣ BACIΛICCHC (Queen Cleopatra), eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings closed, head left, cornucopia left, M (40 drachms = hemiobol) right; from the Errett Bishop Collection; SOLD
Macedonian Kingdom, Egypt, Ptolemy I, as Satrap, 323 - 305 B.C., Portrait of Alexander
Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great's generals, was appointed Satrap of Egypt in 323 B.C. In 305 B.C. he took the title king and established the Ptolemaic dynasty.SH96809. Silver tetradrachm, Lorber CPE 77; Svoronos 107, pl. 4, 11; Delta Hoard 109 - 116, VF, toned, banker's mark on cheek, scratches, weight 15.236 g, maximum diameter 28.4 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Egyptian (perhaps Pelusium) mint, 306 - 305 B.C.; obverse Alexander the Great, head right, wearing elephant scalp headdress and aegis; reverse Athena Promachos advancing right, brandishing javelin in right hand, shield on left arm, monogram inner right, eagle right on thunderbolt lower right, AΛEΞANΔPOY upward on left; from the CEB Collection; ex Numismatic Fine Arts auction XXXI (18 Mar 1993), lot 375; upon request we will include the NFA auction XXXI catalog with this coin - use checkout comments to request the catalog; SOLD
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
IMP X SICIL refers to the victory at Naulochus over Sextus Pompey on 3 September 36 B.C.
In the forest of Arcadia, Pan gave Artemis two black-and-white dogs, three reddish ones, and one spotted one - these dogs were able to hunt even lions. Pan also gave Artemis seven bitches of the finest Arcadian breed. However, Artemis only ever brought seven dogs hunting with her at any one time.SH53584. Silver denarius, RIC I 173b, RSC I 146a, BMCRE I 464, EF/gVF, gem, bold and toned obverse, weight 3.617 g, maximum diameter 20.3 mm, die axis 135o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 15 - 13 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right; reverse IMP - •X / SICIL, Diana standing half-left, looking right, wearing short tunic, spear vertical in right, bow at side in left, dog standing left at feet on left; ex H. S. Perlin Co., 1987; very rare with head left; SOLD
Macedonian Kingdom, Egypt, Ptolemy I, as Satrap, 323 - 305 B.C., Portrait of Alexander
Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great's generals, was appointed Satrap of Egypt in 323 B.C. In 305 B.C. he took the title king and established the Ptolemaic dynasty.SH54895. Silver tetradrachm, Lorber CPE 59, Svoronos 146, SNG Cop 18, SGCV II 7749, gVF, attractive old toning, scratches, a couple old light scrapes on obv., "Z" and "x" graffiti on rev., weight 15.644 g, maximum diameter 26.9 mm, die axis 0o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, c. 306 - 300 B.C.; obverse Alexander the Great, head right, wearing elephant skin headdress and aegis, Δ before elephant's ear; reverse Athena Alkidemos advancing right, holding shield and brandishing javelin; monogram left, two monograms and eagle in right field AΛEΞANΔPOY upward on left; ex Kirk Davis; SOLD
Gordian I Africanus, 18 or 22 March - 12 April 238 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt
Gordian I was proconsul of Africa where he and his son were selected as leaders of a rebellion. The Roman Senate concurred and declared them emperors. They did not, however, have an army. The Governor of Numidia attacked with a legion and Gordian II was killed. Hearing the news Gordian I committed suicide.SH99225. Billon tetradrachm, Geissen 2600; Dattari 4656; BMC Alexandria p. 235, 826; Kampmann 68.6; Milne 3296; Emmett 3341; SNG Cop -, VF, well centered on a broad flan, small pit on drapery, edge flaw on rev., porous, weight 12.513 g, maximum diameter 24.3 mm, die axis 0o, Egypt, Alexandria mint, Mar - Apr 238 A.D.; obverse A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CEM AΦP EVCEB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse Athena seated left, wearing helmet and aegis, grounded shield against near side of throne, tiny Nike in right hand bearing wreath and palm, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, L A (year 1) lower left; ex VAuctions 322 (13 Dec 2016), lot 303; ex Coin Galleries mail bid sale (16 Jul 2003), lot 264; first specimen of this rare type handled by FORVM; rare; SOLD
Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 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.RS50608. Silver denarius, Crawford 468/1, Sydenham 1014, RSC I 13, BMCRR Spain 89, Sear CRI 58, SRCV I 1404, Choice VF, weight 4.110 g, maximum diameter 18.1 mm, die axis 45o, 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 exergue; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy VI Philometor, 180 - 145 B.C.
Ptolemy VI Philometor came to the throne at six. The kingdom was governed by his mother until her death in 180 and then Eulaeus and Lenaeus. In 170 B.C. he took control with his sister-wife Cleopatra II and his younger brother Ptolemy VIII as co-rulers. Ptolemy VI's reign was characterized by external conflict with the Seleucid Empire over Syria and by internal conflict with his younger brother for control of the Ptolemaic monarchy. In the Sixth Syrian War (170 - 168 B.C.), Egypt was twice invaded by Seleucid armies. Ptolemy VIII expelled Ptolemy VI from Egypt in 164 B.C. The people of Alexandria rebelled and invited Ptolemy VI back in 163 B.C. He banished his brother to Cyrenaica. Supporting a series of rival claimants for the Seleucid throne, he instigated civil war. In 145 B.C., he invaded and took Syria, but he died three days later from injuries sustained in the battle. The gains from the war were almost immediately lost and Ptolemy VIII returned to power.SH85287. Silver tetradrachm, Svoronos 1489, SNG Cop 262, Noeske 192, Malter 221, Boston MFA 2290, Weiser -, Hosking -, SNG Milan -, Choice EF, well centered, bold strike, superb portrait, toned, weight 14.032 g, maximum diameter 27.2 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria mint, 2nd sole reign, 163 - 145 B.C.; obverse diademed head of Ptolemy I right wearing aegis; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing left on fulmen (thunderbolt), head left, wings closed, no date or controls; ex Forum (2011); SOLD
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Tribute Penny of Matthew 22:20-21
Jesus, referring to a "penny" asked, "Whose is this image and superscription?" When told it was Caesar, He said, ''Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:20-21). Since Tiberius was Caesar at the time, this denarius type is attributed by scholars as the "penny" referred to in the Bible.RS82671. Silver denarius, Giard Lyon, group 4, 150; RIC I 30 (C); BMCRE I 48; RSC II 16a; SRCV I 1763, EF, nearly as struck, broad flan, strike slightly flat over temple, die wear, light marks, tiny silver encrustations, weight 3.673 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, c. 18 - 35 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with decorated legs, a single line below, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, feet on footstool; SOLD
Marcus Junius Brutus, Most Famous of Caesars Assassins, 44 - 42 B.C.
This type, traditionally attributed to an otherwise unknown Dacian or Sythian king Koson, was struck by Brutus, c. 44 - 42 B.C., with gold supplied by the Senate to fund his legions in the Roman civil war against Mark Antony and Octavian. The obverse imitates a Roman denarius struck by Brutus in 54 B.C. depicting his ancestor L. Junius Brutus, the traditional founder of the Roman Republic. The reverse imitates a Roman denarius struck by Pomponius Rufus in 73 B.C. The meaning of the inscription "KOΣΩN" is uncertain. KOΣΩN may have been the name of a Dacian king who supplied mercenary forces to Brutus, or BR KOΣΩN may have been intended to mean "[of] the Consul Brutus."SH85674. Gold stater, BMCRR II p. 474, 48; RPC I 1701A (Thracian Kings); BMC Thrace p. 208, 1 (same); SNG Cop 123 (Scythian Dynasts), Choice gVF, full circles strike, mint luster, weight 8.378 g, maximum diameter 20.3 mm, die axis 0o, military mint, 44 - 42 B.C.; obverse Roman consul L. Junius Brutus (traditional founder of the Republic) in center, accompanied by two lictors, BR (Brutus) monogram left, KOΣΩN in exergue; reverse eagle standing left on scepter, wings open, raising wreath in right talon; SOLD
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.
A decursio was a military exercise, by which Roman soldiers were taught to make long marches in a given time, under arms and without quitting their ranks. They sometimes consisted of a mock fight between two divisions. Augustus and subsequently Hadrian ordered that the infantry and cavalry were to march out three times a month ten miles from the camp and ten miles back, fully armed and equipped. Decursio on this coin probably refers Nero's participation in mock military maneuvers in the circus.SH96390. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 508, Mac Dowall WCN 448, BMCRE I 316, BnF II 135, Cohen I 88, SRCV I -, Choice aEF/VF, superb portrait, well centered and struck, scratches, marks, porosity more on the reverse, weight 23.971 g, maximum diameter 35.4 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 66 A.D.; obverse IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P, laureate head left, small globe at point; reverse DECVRSIO (in exergue), Nero and a companion on horseback prancing right, Nero holds spear in right hand, companion holds vexillum in right over shoulder, S - C (senatus consulto) flanking across field; SOLD
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.
A decursio was a military exercise, by which Roman soldiers were taught to make long marches in a given time, under arms and without quitting their ranks. They sometimes consisted of a mock fight between two divisions. Augustus and subsequently Hadrian ordered that the infantry and cavalry were to march out three times a month ten miles from the camp and ten miles back, fully armed and equipped. Decursio on this coin probably refers Nero's participation in mock military maneuvers in the circus.SH87193. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 397 (R2); Cohen I 84; Mac Dowall WCN 413; BnF II 82; BMCRE I -, SRCV I -, VF, excellent portrait, smoothing, weight 26.053 g, maximum diameter 35.8 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 65 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head left, globe at point of bust; reverse Nero and officer companion on horseback prancing right, Nero holds a couched lance, his companion holds a vexillum, S - C flanking high across field, DECVRSIO in exergue; ex Gorny & Mosch auction 253, lot 499; rare; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy III Euergetes, 246 - 222 B.C.
It appears very few Ptolemy III coins were struck at Ake-Ptolemais in year six. On most the reverse die was re-engraved from a year five die, with traces of the partially effaced E (year 5) under the C (year 6).GP87336. Silver tetradrachm, Lorber CPE 863, EF, excellent portrait, light bumps and marks, tight flan, weight 14.126 g, maximum diameter 26.0 mm, die axis 0o, Galilee, Ake Ptolemais (Acre, Israel) mint, 29 Aug 242 - 28 Aug 241 B.C.; obverse diademed bust of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY ΣΩTHPOΣ (Ptolemy Savoir), eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head left, wings closed,
(Ptolemais monogram) over 
(control) before, C (year 6) engraved over E (year 5) above Θ (control) in right field; extremely rare; SOLDAugustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
Strabo wrote, "The Romans possess Lugdunum, founded below a ridge at the confluence of the Arar and the Rhone. It is the most populous of all the other cities except Narbo; for it is a center of commerce, and the Roman emperors strike their silver and gold coinage there." (4.3.2)SH85056. Silver denarius, RIC I 167a, BMCRE I 451, RSC I 137, BnF I 1373, Hunter I 197, SRCV I 1610, Choice EF, nearly as struck, lustrous, slight die wear, weight 3.887 g, maximum diameter 19.8 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 15 - 13 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right, border of dots; reverse bull butting right, left foreleg raised, lashing tail, IMP•X in exergue, linear border; ex Forum, ex Marcelo Leal Collection; SOLD
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, 51 - 30 B.C.
Cleopatra VII originally shared power with her father Ptolemy XII and later with her brother-husbands Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV. Her relationship with Julius Caesar led to sole rule. After Caesar's assassination, she aligned with Mark Antony. Her reign marks the end of the Hellenistic Era and the beginning of the Roman Era. She was the last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Click to see a video demonstration recreating Cleopatra's hairstyle. SL93404. Bronze diobol, Svoronos 1871; Weiser 183; Noeske 380; SNG Cop 419; SNG Milan 428; BMC Ptolemies p. 123, 4; Hosking 166; Malter 284; SGCV II 7955, NGC Ch F, strike 4/5, surface 5/5 (2416171-006), weight 20.612 g, maximum diameter 27.0 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria mint, 50 - 31 B.C.; obverse diademed bust of Cleopatra right, with characteristic melon coif hairstyle; reverse KΛEOΠATPAΣ BAXIΛICCHC, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head left, wings closed, cornucopia left, Π (80 drachms) right; from the Errett Bishop Collection, ex Numismatic Art and Ancient Coins; NGC| Lookup; SOLD
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.
Strabo wrote, "The Romans possess Lugdunum, founded below a ridge at the confluence of the Arar and the Rhone. It is the most populous of all the other cities except Narbo; for it is a center of commerce, and the Roman emperors strike their silver and gold coinage there." (4.3.2)
SH84739. Silver denarius, RIC I 167a, BMCRE I 451, RSC I 137, BnF I 1373, Hunter I 197, SRCV I 1610, gEF, lustrous, nice portrait, fantastic bull, well centered, slight die wear, very light marks, weight 3.975 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 225o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 15 - 13 B.C.; obverse AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right, border of dots; reverse bull butting right, left foreleg raised, lashing tail, IMP•X in exergue, linear border; from the Marcelo Leal Collection; SOLD
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