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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Roman Coins| ▸ |Roman Gold||View Options:   | | | It should be no surprise that ancient gold coins are highly desired by collectors. Roman mints employed their most skilled artists to engrave the dies for the gold coinage. The portraits on the gold coins are exceptionally beautiful. Gold never corrodes, so ancient gold coins are as lustrous today as they were when they circulated in empire. We get quite a few Roman gold coins but they sell quickly so we often have only a few in stock. |
Special Auction, The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei - Part II, sold in association with Stack's Bowers Galleries.BC15992. Numismatica ARS Classica Auction 99, May 2017, The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei - Part II, softcover, 43 pages, 50 lots, illustrated throughout, good condition;
Faustina Sr., Augusta 25 February 138 - Early 141, Wife of Antoninus Pius
Gold aurei are about the same size as silver denarii but they were not struck with the same dies. The finest work of the mint's top master engravers was reserved for striking gold. The difference between the artistry of the gold and silver is not always so striking, but no denarius equals the beauty of this coin.SH33181. Gold aureus, SRCV II 4553 (same dies), Cayon 1765 (same), RIC III AP356d, Cohen II 98, BMCRE IV AP398, Choice EF, weight 6.923 g, maximum diameter 19.8 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 147 - 161 A.D.; obverse DIVA FAVSTINA, diademed, draped and veiled bust left; reverse AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, torch in right hand, scepter in left hand; very light hairline scratches; ex Numismatik Lanz auction 135, lot 745 (misattributed); ex Goldberg auction 44, lot 3704 (ICG AU 50); hints of red toning, bold and beautiful, struck with elegant dies!; scarce; SOLD
Aurelian, August 270 - October or November 275 A.D.
Certificate of Authenticity issued by David R. Sear.SH24849. Gold aureus, MER-RIC 1584, Göbl MIR 127q, pl. 74 (O96/R298); BnF XII 424, pl. 13 (same dies); Estiot 1999-I 58 (same dies); RIC V 15, aEF, edge bump at 10 o'clock, weight 4.459 g, maximum diameter 21.4 mm, die axis 180o, Mediolanum (Milan, Italy) mint, issue 3, mid 272 - end 272; obverse IMP CL DOM AVRELIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis across chest with small Medusa head in center; reverse VIRTVS AVG (the valor of the Emperor), Virtus, helmeted, cloaked, holding spear in right and trophy across left shoulder, walking right, captive before; ex Harlan Berk; SOLD
Constantius I, May 305 - 25 July 306 A.D.
Certificate of Authenticity issued by David R. Sear.
This type depicts Hercules holding the golden apples of the Hesperides. Diocletian and Maximian had placed themselves under the divine protection of Jupiter and Hercules respectively, Diocletian and Galerius calling themselves "Jovians' and Maximian and Constantius 'Herculians.'SH08930. Gold aureus, RIC VI Antiochia 8; Calico 4833a; Depeyrot p. 139, 9/4; Cohen VII 145, aVF/VF, traces of mounting at 12 o'clock, weight 5.29 g, maximum diameter 19.4 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, as caesar, 293 - 295 A.D.; obverse CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, laureate head right; reverse HERCVLI CONS CAES (Hercules protector of Caesar), Hercules standing facing, head left, leaning on club and holding apples, lion skin over shoulder, SMAΞ* in exergue; very rare (RIC rarity R4, Calico rarity R1), conservative Sear grading; SOLD
Anthemius, 12 April 467 - 11 July 472
During the reign of Anthemius, dies were sometimes shared between the mints at Rome, Milan and Ravenna. This variant of an extremely rare type minted at Milan appears to have a re-engraved mint mark. The only other known example of this variant is in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection.SH01632. Gold solidus, RIC X 2887, Lacam 93, VF, weight 4.37 g, maximum diameter 22.1 mm, die axis 0o, Mediolanum (Milan, Italy) mint, late 467 - 472 A.D.; obverse D N ANTHEMIVS P F AVG, helmeted bust facing, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, spear in right over shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with horseman riding down enemy; reverse SALVS REIPVBLICAE (health of the Republic), Anthemius and Leo, nimbate, standing front, each holds a spear and together they hold a cross on a globe, MD in center, COMOB in exergue; cross graffiti in obverse right field; extremely rare (R4); SOLD
Basiliscus, January 475 - Late August 476 A.D.
"The 'Solidus' was a revision instituted about 310 by Constantine I to the Roman gold coin standard, the 'aureus'. The aureus weight had fluctuated but settled at five to the Roman ounce, which meant that it was not a standard weight since the Romans had no name for a fifth of an ounce. Constantine I struck solidi at six to the ounce, which equaled the Roman weight unit of the 'sextula'. Solidi were struck at about 98% fineness and were 20-21 mm's in diameter. With the defeat of the Licinii by Constantine in 324 the solidus became the standard Roman gold coin and remained so for over 600 years." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH37573. Gold solidus, RIC X 1003, aEF, excellent style, weight 4.422 g, maximum diameter 21.3 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse D N bASILI-CuS P P AVG, helmeted and diademed, cuirassed bust facing, spear in right over shoulder, shield on left arm d decorated with horseman trampling fallen foe; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG I (victory of the three emperors, 10th officina), Victory standing left, long jeweled cross in right, star in right field, CONOB in exergue; ex Munz-Handlung Ritter; rare; SOLD
Theodosius I, 19 January 379 - 17 January 395 A.D.
On 24 November 380, Theodosius I made his adventus, or formal entry, into Constantinople. SH26925. Gold solidus, RIC IX Constantinopolis 43b (R2), Depeyrot 29/2, SRCV V 20392, Cohen VIII 9, Choice aEF, weight 4.439 g, maximum diameter 21.3 mm, die axis 0o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 380 A.D.; obverse D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse CONCORDIA AVGGG• (harmony among the three emperors)•, Constantinopolis seated facing on high-backed throne, turreted, looking right, right foot on prow, long scepter vertical in right hand, globe in left hand, CONOB in exergue; rare; SOLD
Crispus, Caesar, 1 March 317 - 326 A.D.
In July 324, at the Battle of Hellespont, Crispus, destroyed Licinius' naval fleet in the Dardanelles, allowing his father Constantine the ability to cross over the Bosporus into Asian provinces. Byzantium was besieged and Licinius assembled a second military force, under his newly elevated co-emperor Martinian at Lampsacus (modern Lapseki).SH12095. Gold solidus, RIC VII Cyzicus 20, SRCV IV 16639 ($16,000 in EF), Depeyrot 16/1, Cohen VII 56 var., gVF, ex jewelry - edge repairs and gold jewelry solder, weight 4.046 g, maximum diameter 18.5 mm, die axis 0o, 5th officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 324 A.D.; obverse FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, nude bust left holding spear and shield; reverse CONCORDIA AVGG NN (harmony between our two emperors), Concordia seated left on throne, caduceus in right hand, cornucopia in left hand arm, SMKE in exergue; ex Jonathan Kern's personal collection; very rare; 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 for 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."SL99231. Gold stater, BMCRR II p. 474, 48; RPC I 1701A (Thracian Kings); HGC 3.2, 2049; BMC Thrace p. 208, 1 (same); SNG Cop 123 (Scythian Dynasts), ICG MS64 (4944620127, Thracian kings, Koson, c. 54 BC), weight c. 8.45 g, maximum diameter 19 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; ICG Verify ; SOLD
Gratian, 24 August 367 - 25 August 383 A.D.
The eldest son of Valentinian I, during his youth Gratian accompanied his father on several campaigns along the Rhine and Danube frontiers. Upon the death of Valentinian in 375, Gratian's brother Valentinian II was declared emperor by his father's soldiers. In 378, Gratian's generals won a decisive victory over the Lentienses, a branch of the Alamanni, at the Battle of Argentovaria. Gratian subsequently led a campaign across the Rhine, the last emperor to do so, and attacked the Lentienses, forcing the tribe to surrender. That same year, his uncle Valens was killed in the Battle of Adrianople against the Goths ? making Gratian essentially ruler of the entire Roman Empire. He favored Christianity over traditional Roman religion, refused the divine attributes of the Emperors and removed the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate.SH37581. Gold solidus, RIC IX Nicomedia 14.1 (R2), Depeyrot 18/4, SRCV V 19900, Cohen VIII 28, Choice gVF, weight 4.493 g, maximum diameter 21.3 mm, die axis 180o, 5th officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, 24 Aug 367 - 17 Nov 375 A.D.; obverse D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS, Gratian standing half-right, nimbate, wearing military dress, spear transverse in right hand, globe in left hand, SMNE in exergue; ex CNG 166, lot 185; very rare; SOLD
Vitellius, 2 January - 20 December 69 A.D.
| Libertas (Latin for Liberty) was the Roman goddess and embodiment of liberty. The pileus liberatis was a soft felt cap worn by liberated slaves of Troy and Asia Minor. In late Republican Rome, the pileus was symbolically given to slaves upon manumission, granting them not only their personal liberty, but also freedom as citizens with the right to vote (if male). Following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., Brutus and his co-conspirators used the pileus to signify the end of Caesar's dictatorship and a return to a Republican system of government. The pileus was adopted as a popular symbol of freedom during the French Revolution and was also depicted on some U.S. coins. On the Seated Liberty dollar, Liberty raises up a pileus (freedom cap) on a rod (liberty pole). |  |
Verina, Augusta, 7 February 457 - 484 A.D., Wife of Leo I
Verina was the highly ambitious and capable wife of Emperor Leo I. After the death of her husband she continued to exercise great influence in the governing of the Empire. She was responsible for inciting two failed rebellions against Zeno, first by her brother Basiliscus in 475 - 476 A.D and then by Leontius in 484 - 488 A.D. She died at the fortress of Cherris in 484 A.D.SH06901. Gold tremissis, RIC X 614, SBCV 4344, gVF, weight 1.47 g, maximum diameter 14.8 mm, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse AEL VERINA AVG, diademed, draped bust right; reverse cross in wreath, CONOB in exergue; ex Harlan Berk; very rare (R2); SOLD
Honorius, 23 January 393 - 15 August 423 A.D.
Thessalonica was founded around 315 B.C. by Cassander, King of Macedonia, on or near the site of the ancient town of Therma. He named it after his wife Thessalonike, a daughter of Philip II and a half-sister of Alexander the Great. In 168 B.C. it became the capital of Macedonia Secunda and in 146 B.C. it was made the capital of the whole Roman province of Macedonia. Due to its port and location at the intersection of two major Roman roads, Thessalonica grew to become the most important city in Macedonia. Thessalonica was important in the spread of Christianity; the First Epistle to the Thessalonians written by Paul the Apostle is the first written book of the New Testament.SH53618. Gold solidus, RIC X Arcadius 38 (R2); Depeyrot p. 225, 44/2; DOCLR 756; SRCV V 20900, gVF, weight 4.379 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 180o, Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint, 397 - 402 A.D.; obverse D N HONORIVS P F AVG, helmeted bust facing, diademed, cuirassed, cross on breast plate, spear in right over right shoulder behind head, shield decorated with horseman on left arm; reverse CONCORDIA AVGG (harmony between the two emperors), Constantinopolis enthroned facing, head right, holding long scepter and Victory on globe, foot on prow, COMOB in exergue; very rare; SOLD
Valentinian III, 23 October 425 - 16 March 455 A.D.
"The 'Solidus' was a revision instituted about 310 by Constantine I to the Roman gold coin standard, the 'aureus'. The aureus weight had fluctuated but settled at five to the Roman ounce, which meant that it was not a standard weight since the Romans had no name for a fifth of an ounce. Constantine I struck solidi at six to the ounce, which equaled the Roman weight unit of the 'sextula'. Solidi were struck at about 98% fineness and were 20-21 mm's in diameter. With the defeat of the Licinii by Constantine in 324 the solidus became the standard Roman gold coin and remained so for over 600 years." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH37575. Gold solidus, RIC X Theodosius II 260, Choice aEF, weight 4.375 g, maximum diameter 20.4 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 430 - 440 A.D.; obverse D N VALENTIN-IANVS P F AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, spear over shoulder, shield in left decorated with horseman trampling fallen foe; reverse VOT XXX MVLT XXXX B, Constantinopolis enthroned left, wearing helmet, globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left hand, shield resting at side of throne, star right; rare (RIC R2); SOLD
Valentinian III, 23 October 425 - 16 March 455 A.D.
"The 'Solidus' was a revision instituted about 310 by Constantine I to the Roman gold coin standard, the 'aureus'. The aureus weight had fluctuated but settled at five to the Roman ounce, which meant that it was not a standard weight since the Romans had no name for a fifth of an ounce. Constantine I struck solidi at six to the ounce, which equaled the Roman weight unit of the 'sextula'. Solidi were struck at about 98% fineness and were 20-21 mm's in diameter. With the defeat of the Licinii by Constantine in 324 the solidus became the standard Roman gold coin and remained so for over 600 years." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH46449. Gold solidus, RIC X Theodosius II 260, Choice aEF, weight 4.375 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 430 - 440 A.D.; obverse D N VALENTIN-IANVS P F AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, spear over shoulder, shield in left decorated with horseman trampling fallen foe; reverse VOT XXX MVLT XXXX B, Constantinopolis enthroned left, wearing helmet, globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left hand, shield resting at side of throne, star right; rare (RIC R2); SOLD
Valentinian III, 23 October 425 - 16 March 455 A.D.
Struck at Ravenna where the late western emperors' made their capital.SH28125. Gold solidus, RIC X Valentinian III 2018, Cohen VIII 19, SRCV 4310, EF, weight 4.425 g, maximum diameter 22.0 mm, Ravenna mint, c. 430 - 455 A.D.; obverse D N PLA VALENTI-NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG (victory of the three emperors), Valentinian standing facing, foot on the head of a man-faced snake with closed coil, holding long cross and Victory on globe, R left, V right, COMOB in exergue; slightly double-struck, a couple very small light scratches; SOLD
Valens, 28 March 364 - 9 August 378 A.D.
Valens ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from the Danube to the Persian border. He allowed Goths, who were driven from their home by the Huns, to settle in the Danube provinces. The Goths were so badly treated by Romans that they rebelled. Valens was defeated and killed by the Goths at the battle of Hadrianople.SH99543. Gold solidus, RIC IX Antioch 2(c)i3, Depeyrot 30/2, SRCV V 19566, Cohen VIII 32, Hunter V -, VF, well centered, bumps, marks, scratches, slight bend, weight 4.345 g, maximum diameter 21.0 mm, die axis 180o, 6th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, Oct 367 - end 367 A.D.; obverse D N VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, vexillum with cross on flag in right hand, Victory standing on globe presenting wreath in left hand, ANTS (S recut over Z) in exergue; ex Forum (2020); ex Ray Nouri Collection; SOLD
Theodosius II, 10 January 402 - 28 July 450 A.D.
"The 'Solidus' was a revision instituted about 310 by Constantine I to the Roman gold coin standard, the 'aureus'. The aureus weight had fluctuated but settled at five to the Roman ounce, which meant that it was not a standard weight since the Romans had no name for a fifth of an ounce. Constantine I struck solidi at six to the ounce, which equaled the Roman weight unit of the 'sextula'. Solidi were struck at about 98% fineness and were 20-21 mm's in diameter. With the defeat of the Licinii by Constantine in 324 the solidus became the standard Roman gold coin and remained so for over 600 years." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH10972. Gold solidus, RIC X Theodosius II 319, EF, weight 4.441 g, maximum diameter 21.9 mm, die axis 180o, 5th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 441 - 450 A.D.; obverse D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted pearl-diademed, cuirassed, bust facing, spear in right hand over shoulder, shield decorated with horseman riding down enemy on left arm; reverse IMP•XXXXII COS XXII•P•P E, Constantinopolis enthroned left, globus cruciger in right hand, scepter in left hand, foot on prow, left elbow on shield at side, star left, COMOB in exergue; ex Colosseum Coin Exchange; rare (R4); SOLD
Marcian, 24 August 450 - 31 January 457 A.D.
| The Column of Marcian was dedicated to Marcian, built by the praefectus urbi Tatianus, sometime between 450 and 452. It still stands in modern Istanbul, though the statue of Marcian which originally topped it has been lost. Marcian also had a statue in the Forum of Arcadius, which contained the statues of several of Arcadius' successors. |  |
Leo I, 7 February 457 - 18 January 474 A.D.
RIC X divides this type into two phases. The earlier phase (457 - 468) is distinguished by an angular form of the letter G and the spear usually pointing between the second P and E of PERPET. The later phase (468 - 473) the G's are rounded and the spear usually points between the E and T.SH37571. Gold solidus, DOCLR 527, Hunter V 8, Tolstoi 11, Ratto 248, RIC X 605 (S), Depeyrot 93/1, SRCV V 21404, Choice gVF, weight 4.458 g, maximum diameter 21.1 mm, die axis 180o, 8th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, late phase, 468 - 473 A.D.; obverse D N LEO PERPET AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, spear in right over shoulder, shield on left decorated with horseman; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG H (victory of the three emperors, 8th officina), Victory standing half left, supporting long jeweled cross, star right, CONOB in exergue; SOLD
Marcian, 24 August 450 - 31 January 457 A.D.
In 450, Vardan II Mamikonian, who was leading a revolt against the Sassanian Empire, sent an embassy to Theodosius to ask for assistance. This was favored by Theodosius but these plans were dropped by Marcian. Later, c. 456, Marcian risked the anger of the Sassanids to strike against Gubazes I, the king of Lazica, which was nominally a vassal Roman state, who was attempting to form an alliance with the Sassanians to break free of Roman control. Marcian launched a military campaign against him in 456, forcing him to abdicate.SH14768. Gold solidus, DOCLR 481 (also 7th officina), Ratto 217, RIC X Marcian 510, Hahn MIB 5, SRCV V 21379, Choice EF, weight 4.491 g, maximum diameter 20.6 mm, die axis 180o, 7th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 450 A.D.; obverse D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield, diadem with large jewel and three pearls, shield decorated with horseman spearing a fallen enemy; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG Z (victory of the three emperors, 7th officina), Victory standing left holding a long jeweled cross, star in right field, CONOB in exergue; scarce; SOLD
Zeno, 18 January - 17 November 474 and August 476 - 11 April 491 A.D.
RIC does not list this type with AVGG T in the reverse legend. DOCLR identifies the T as indicating the Thessalonica mint.SH87354. Gold solidus, DOCLR 664 (also 4th officina), Tolstoi 38 var. (TI), Ratto -, RIC X -, near Mint State, lustrous, radiating flow lines, a few light marks, weight 4.496 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 180o, 4th officina, Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint, 2nd reign, Aug 476 - 11 Apr 491, 5th issue; obverse D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted bust facing, pearl diademed without jewel on crested helmet, cuirassed, spear in right hand over right shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with horseman riding down and spearing enemy; reverse VICTORI-A AVGG T Δ, Victory standing left, long jeweled cross in right, star right, CONOB in exergue; ex Numismatik Naumann auction 67, lot 660; very rare; SOLD
Basiliscus, January 475 - Late August 476 A.D.
"'Tremissis' is a Latin word which was created by analogy to the term 'semissis' and probably came from "triens as", meaning a third of an 'as'. It came to mean a coin having 1/3 the value of another. It is applied to the Roman gold (98%+ fine) one-third solidus, first struck about 385 to replace the 3/8 solidus (1½ scripulum) piece. It was one-third of the solidus' weight, or about 1.51 grams (theoretically 1/216 of a Roman pound). Roman gold fractions were scarce and never played a large part in the monetary system, but the tremissis was struck well into Byzantine times; the last known are of Basil I (867-886)." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH10944. Gold tremissis, RIC X 1008, gVF, weight 1.479 g, maximum diameter 15.37 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse D N bASILI-CuS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM (to the victory of the Emperor), Victory advancing front, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger, star in right field, CONOB in exergue; very rare (R3); SOLD
Valens, 28 March 364 - 9 August 378 A.D.
"The 'Solidus' was a revision instituted about 310 by Constantine I to the Roman gold coin standard, the 'aureus'. The aureus weight had fluctuated but settled at five to the Roman ounce, which meant that it was not a standard weight since the Romans had no name for a fifth of an ounce. Constantine I struck solidi at six to the ounce, which equaled the Roman weight unit of the 'sextula'. Solidi were struck at about 98% fineness and were 20-21 mm's in diameter. With the defeat of the Licinii by Constantine in 324 the solidus became the standard Roman gold coin and remained so for over 600 years." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom SchroerSH37580. Gold solidus, RIC IX Constantinopolis 25b, Cohen VIII 34, Depeyrot 21/2, VF, scratches, slight bend, weight 4.381 g, maximum diameter 21.4 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinopolis (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 24 Aug 367 - 17 Nov 375 A.D.; obverse D N VALENS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head right, standard with cross in right, Victory holding wreath on globe in left hand, *CONS wreath in exergue; ex CNG auction 168, lot 267 (sold for $748 plus fees); rare (R2); SOLD
Zeno, 18 January - 17 November 474 and August 476 - 11 April 491 A.D.
They look similar, but there is a significant physical difference between angels and Victory. Angels are all male. Victory (Nike) is female. On Byzantine coinage, the male angel replaced the female Victory after the reunion with Rome was concluded on 28 March 519 A.D.SH42812. Gold solidus, DOCLR 641 (also 9th officina), Tolstoi 22, Ratto 283, RIC X 910, Depeyrot 108/1, SRCV V 21514, EF, obv flan defect, weight 4.459 g, maximum diameter 20.4 mm, die axis 180o, 9th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 2nd reign, Aug 476 - 11 Apr 491; obverse D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted bust facing, pearl diademed ornamented with trefoil on arc, cuirassed, spear in right over shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with horseman riding down enemy; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG Θ (victory of the three emperors, 9th officina), Victory standing left, long jeweled cross in right, star right, CONOB in exergue; SOLD
Kingdom of Bosporus, Rheskuporis II (III), 211 - 228 A.D., Caracalla Reverse
The Bosporan Kingdom (or Kingdom of the Cimmerian Bosporus) was in eastern Crimea and the Taman Peninsula on the shores of the Cimmerian Bosporus, the present-day Strait of Kerch (it was not named after the Bosphorus beside Istanbul). The mixed population adopted Greek language and civilization. The prosperity of the kingdom was based on the export of wheat, fish and slaves. The kingdom's golden age was 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. At the end of the 2nd century A.D., King Sauromates II inflicted a critical defeat on the Scythians and expanded his state to include the entire Crimea. It was the longest surviving Roman client kingdom, lasting until it was overrun by the Huns c. 375 A.D.SH53612. Electrum stater, MacDonald Bosporus 556/1, aVF, weight 7.656 g, maximum diameter 19.7 mm, die axis 0o, Pantikapaion (Kerch, Crimea) mint, 216 - 217 A.D.; obverse BACIΛEWC PHCKOVΠOPIΔOC, diademed and draped bust right, sword before; reverse laureate and draped bust of Caracalla right, ΓIΦ (year 513) below; SOLD
Byzantine Empire, Anastasius, 11 April 491 - 1 July 518 A.D.
During the Anastasian War of 502–505 with the Sassanid Persians, the Sassanids captured the cities of Theodosiopolis and Amida, although the Romans later received Amida in exchange for gold. The Persian provinces also suffered severely and a peace was concluded in 506. Anastasius afterward built the strong fortress of Daras, which was named Anastasiopolis, to hold the Persians at Nisibis in check. The Balkan provinces were denuded of troops, however, and were devastated by invasions of Slavs and Bulgars; to protect Constantinople and its vicinity against them, the emperor built the Anastasian Wall, extending from the Propontis to the Black Sea. He converted his home city, Dyrrachium, into one of the most fortified cities on the Adriatic with the construction of Durrës Castle.SH12102. Gold solidus, DOC I 7i, Ratto 320, Tolstoi 8, Hahn MIBE 7, Sommer 1.4, SBCV 5, Wroth BMC -, Morrison BnF -, Choice EF, weight 4.492 g, maximum diameter 21.0 mm, die axis 180o, 9th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 507 - 518 A.D.; obverse D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, helmet with plume, trefoil ornament and diadem, pellets on cuirass, spear in right hand and behind head, shield on left arm ornamented with mounted cavalryman right attacking prostrate enemy; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG Θ (victory of the three emperors, 9th officina), Victoria standing half left, head left, long staff topped with
(inverted staurogram) in right hand, star left, CONOB in exergue; a touch flat on the forehead but with mint luster in fields and a wonderful reverse; SOLDAnastasius, 11 April 491 - 1 July 518 A.D.
Anastasius I came to the throne at the age of 61 after being chosen by the wife of his predecessor, Zeno. He is noted for leaving the imperial government with a sizeable budget surplus of 23,000,000 solidi by reducing government corruption, reforming the tax code, and currency reform. He is venerated as a saint by the Syriac Orthodox Church. His improvements to the government, economy, and bureaucracy of the Eastern Roman empire were so dramatic that he is often described as the first Byzantine emperor.SH19042. Gold solidus, DOC I 3a (not in the collection, refs Tolstoi), Tolstoi 70, Hahn MIB 4, SBCV 3, Morrisson BnF -, BMC Wroth -, Ratto -, aEF, nice strike, nice coin, weight 4.480 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 491 - 498 A.D.; obverse D N ANASTA-SIVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, helmet with plume, trefoil ornament and diadem, pellets on cuirass, spear in right hand and behind head, shield on left arm ornamented with mounted cavalryman right attacking prostrate enemy; reverse VICTORI-A AVCCC A CONOB, Victory stands half left, head left, long jeweled cross in right hand which rests on ground, star right; SOLD
Anastasius, 11 April 491 - 1 July 518 A.D.
"Although historians often date the start of the Byzantine Empire at either the dedication of Constantinople (330 AD - making Constantine I the first Byzantine Emperor), the split of the Roman Empire at the death of Theodosius I (395 AD - making Arcadius the first Byzantine Emperor), or even at the fall of the western Roman Empire (476 AD - making Zeno the first Byzantine Emperor), numismatically the break is clearly in the reign of Anastasius, specifically at his previously mentioned coinage reform of 498. That reform was a radical re-structuring of the bronze coinage, and a sharp departure from previous Roman designs. Although the pre- and post-reform silver and gold are indistinguishable, the vast bulk of the coinage, what the 'man-in-the-street' dealt with, was clearly symbolic of a new beginning, and thus Moneta ends its coverage of Roman coinage with Anastasius." - Moneta Historical ReferenceSH16824. Gold solidus, SBCV 3, DOC I 3i, EF, weight 4.481 g, maximum diameter 20.9 mm, die axis 225o, 10th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 491 - 498 A.D.; obverse D N ANASTA-SIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, helmet with plume, trefoil ornament and diadem, pellets on cuirass, spear in right hand and behind head, shield on left arm ornamented with mounted cavalryman right attacking prostrate enemy; reverse VICTORIA AVGGG I (victory of the three emperors, 10th officina), Victoria standing left, long jeweled cross in right, star right, CONOB in exergue; mirror luster with some light scratches; SOLD
Kingdom of Bosporus, Eupator, 154 - 170 A.D., Marcus Aurelius Reverse
The Bosporan Kingdom (or Kingdom of the Cimmerian Bosporus) was in eastern Crimea and the Taman Peninsula on the shores of the Cimmerian Bosporus, the present-day Strait of Kerch (it was not named after the Bosphorus beside Istanbul). The mixed population adopted Greek language and civilization. The prosperity of the kingdom was based on the export of wheat, fish and slaves. The kingdom's golden age was 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. At the end of the 2nd century A.D., King Sauromates II inflicted a critical defeat on the Scythians and expanded his state to include the entire Crimea. It was the longest surviving Roman client kingdom, lasting until it was overrun by the Huns c. 375 A.D.SH17753. Electrum stater, Frolova, p. 164, pl. XXVII.35-6; MacDonald Bosporus 474/3; BMC Pontus p. 65, 8 (Lucius Verus); RPC IV.1 T3749, Choice gVF, a few light scrapes, weight 7.740 g, maximum diameter 19.6 mm, Pantikapaion (Kerch, Crimea) mint, 67/8 A.D; obverse BACILEΩC EVΠATOPOC, diademed bust of Eupator right; reverse laureate head of Marcus Aurelius right; star before, ΔΖV (year 464) below; SOLD
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