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Basil_II___Constantine_VIII_-_Christ-.jpg
Byzantine, Christ, Anonymous Folles. temp. Basil II & Constantine VIII, circa 976-1025. Follis (28mm, 12.04 g, 6h). Class A2. Constantinople mint. Nimbate half-length bust of Christ facing, holding Gospels / [+] IhSЧ[S]/[X]PISTЧS/[Ь]ASILЄЧ/ЬASILЄ in four lines ( Jesus Christ King of Kings ); rectangular ornament below. DOC A2.47; SB 1813. VF, dark green patina with earthen highlights/deposits, a few cleaning scratches. EX ; The Prue Morgan Fitts Collection.

EX The Sam Mansourati Collection.

*A fine masterpiece of one of the very early portraits of Christ according to Saint Veronica 's Veil.
**The emperor's name and portrait are not part of the design on the Byzantine types referred to as anonymous folles. Instead of the earthly king, these coins depict Jesus Christ, King of Kings.

Given as a Christmas Present to Dear friend , brother and great dentist , Dr. Manuel M. Cunanan .
Sam
IMG_3543_2~1.jpeg
Byzantine, Romanus III Gold HistamenonRomanus III Argyrus (12 Nov 1028 - 11 Apr 1034 CE), Gold Histamenon Nomisma, DOC III-2 1d, Morrisson BnF 43/Cp/AV/01, Ratto 1972, Sommer 43.2.2, SBCV 1819, Wroth BMC 2, coronation issue, EF, plain edge, weight 4.45g (AGW 0.1401oz), composition 0.979 Au, diameter 25.0mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 180°, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 12 Nov 1028 - 11 Apr 1034 CE; obverse + IҺS XIS RЄX-RЄϚNANTIҺm (Jesus Christ, King of Kings), Christ Pantokrator, bearded, enthroned facing on square-backed throne (Type IIa), with nimbus cruciger, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels by upper edge on left knee with left, pelleted double border surrounding; reverse ΘCЄ bOHΘ'-RωmAҺω (God-Bearer, help Romanus), MΘ (Mother of God) with macrons above centre, Virgin, nimbate, standing facing on right, wearing pallium and maphorium, raising left hand in benediction and crowning with right Romanus III, bearded, standing facing on left, wearing crown with cross and pendilia, sakkos and modified square pattern loros with four pellets on fold, holding right hand on breast and globus cruciger in left, pelleted double border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (1 Jan 2022); ex Roma Numismatics e-sale 90 (18 Nov 2021), lot 1497, acquired from European Collection; scarce; £1,200.00.

The image of Christ Pantokrator was one of the first images of Christ developed in the Early Christian Church and remains a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the half-length image, Christ holds the New Testament in his left hand and makes the gesture of teaching or of blessing with his right.
3 commentsSerendipity
Alexander_III_the_Great_-_I_with_statue.png
Greek, Alexander III the GreatAlexander III the Great - Tetradrachm - Amphipolis, Macedon
Date: 332-326 BC (lifetime)
Size: 25 mm
Weight: 17.4 g
Obv: Head of Herakles wearing lion's scalp right
Rev: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, legs open, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right; amphora in left field
Price 13
6 commentsViriathus
Macedonian_Kingdom,_Alexander_III_The_Great,_336_-_323_B_C_,_Lifetime_Issue_~2.jpg
Greek, Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue.Silver Drachm, Müller Alexander 763; SNG Cop 895; SNG Alpha Bank 629; SNG Saroglos 771; SNG München - ; Price 2090, Choice good Very Fine , as found Superb Fine Style, toned, centered, bumps and marks, Ionia, Miletos mint, weight 4.004g, maximum diameter 18.0mm, die axis 0o, struck between 325 - 323 B.C.,.
Obverse ; head of Alexander the Great as Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck.
Reverse ; AΛEΞAN∆POY ( means " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ), Zeus seated left on throne without back, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, feet on footstool, right leg forward, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter topped with lotus vertical behind in left hand, ∆H monogram left.

*Lifetime issue. This coin was issued during the lifetime and rule of Alexander the Great. Most Alexander coins were issued after his death.

*Alexander the great believed if the world ruled by one king or leader , will be better for all.
Alexander the great was considered a god after his death.

FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
GAE898a_O.jpg
Greek, Alexander Ptolemaic BronzeBronze Hemiobol of Ptolemy I ca. 290BC
Portrait of Alexander the Great with Ammon horn
Svoronos 172. 17.4mm 4.58gm 11.5h (345deg)
Stylistic elegance on early Ptolemaic bronze.
PtolemAE
lis2.jpg
Greek, Alexander the Great, Lysimachos tetradrachmMinted in Magnesia, this is one of the most beautiful portraits of Alexander the Great, a true Hellenistic masterpiece. He is looking to the sky, towards Olympus and he is sending a truly arogant smile to the Gods, as if containing the message "I was a true God on Earth!"vercingetorix
GAE062~0.jpg
Greek, Antiochus IV Epiphanes - Antioch on Orontes (as 'Daphne') - 175/164BCAntiochus IV Epiphanes - Antioch on Orontes (as 'Daphne') - 175/164BC
AE 20.1-21.2mm : 9.016gm
OBV - Radiate diademed head facing right with diadem extending down to neck
REV - Zeus standing facing, head turned left, arm extended to left holding wreath, ANTIOXEON at right, TON PROS DAPHNEN at left with monogram at far left and far right. Quasi-municipal type struck in or after 169/8 BC. Actual location: Antioch on Orontes (For some reason Antiochus IV chose to identify it as Antioch near Daphne).
REF - SNGSpaer 1008 (8.73gm same monograms)
1 commentsPtolemAE
antiochus.jpg
Greek, Antiochus VIIISyria 121-96 BC tetradrachm
Sear 7142
MrCardon
Eukleidas_R.JPG
Greek, Arethusa by EukleidasI think that this Portrait of Arethusa by the master engraver Eukleidas is worth to be in this gallery :)
Tetradrachm of Syracuse 399-387 BC Reverse die n°64 of the Tudeer Corpus
3 commentsBrennos
935293~0.jpg
Greek, Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios. Cappadocian Kingdom. AR Drachm.Circa 96-63 B.C. AR Drachm (17mm, 3.92g, 1h). Simmoneta 9a. Obverse diademed head of Ariobarzanes to right. Reverse BASILEUS ARIOBARZANOU PHILOROMAIOU Athena standing left, holding Nike and spear and shield; to left monogram; to right, A; in exergue, gamma. Extremely Fine, beautifully toned. Ex Nomos AG 6th Price List Sale, lot 44.
Ariobarzanes I, nicknamed Philoromaios or “Lover of Rome” in the literal sense but should be translated as “Friend of Rome,” was a client king of Cappadocia during Roman expansion and hegemony in Asia Minor. He was elected by his people with the backing of Lucius Cornelius Sulla. He was removed several times by either Mithradates IV of Pontus or Tigranes II of Armenia but reinstated by the Roman Senate each time. He eventually abdicated and was replaced by his son, Ariobarzanes II.

The detail and artistry is surprisingly elegant on this small coin with a diameter of only 17mm. It is a masterpiece of miniature numismatic portraiture: most of Ariobarzanes’ coins are of inferior quality and finding one with fine portraiture of good style, such as this, is rarely encountered.

2 commentsJason T
Euthydemos-II.jpg
Greek, Euthydemos IITetradrachm, ca 190-170 BC.
Obverse: Diademed bust of Euthydemos II.
Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ / Herakles standing, holding wreath, club, and lion's skin. PK monogram at left.
16.90 gm., 30 cm.
Sear #7536; Bepearachchi Serie 1C.
4 commentsCallimachus
mithra~0.jpg
Greek, Mithradates I (171-138 BC), AR DrachmAn exceptional portrait of an aging but still formidable ruler. Most Parthian coin portraits are fairly pedestrian but this artist captures the tangled beard and wrinkled eyes and brow of Mithridates I in what must be the last years of his reign.

Sellwood 11.1
daverino
Pontic_Kingdom,_Mithradates_Vi_ATG_Tetradrachm,_Odessos_.jpg
Greek, Mithridates VI (The Great) as HeraklesPontic Kingdom, Thrace, Odessos, Mithridates VI Megas, 120-63 BC, AR Tetradrachm in the name of Alexander the Great, struck ca. 88-86 BC.
Head of Mithridates VI (the Great) as Herakles, wearing lion's skin headdress / ΒΑΣIΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOΥ.
(Reverse is of Zeus seated left, legs draped, confronting eagle held on outstretched right arm and grasping lotus-tipped sceptre, ΛAK before, OΔΗ (Odessos ethnic) in exergue.)
Callataÿ Group 3; Price 1192. Odessos ca. 88-86 BC
(30 mm, 16.04 gm, 1h)

This is amongst the last of the coinages in the style of Alexander the Great to be minted. In this final incarnation the portrait of Herakles was adapted to the features of Mithridates VI the Great, to the extent that the image of Herakles is in fact a portrait of Mithridates. Comparison with his portrait on tetradrachms minted in Pontus proves this point.
1 comments
Nikomedes_III_AR_Tetradrachm~1.jpg
Greek, Nikomedes II of Bithynia (149-127 BC)Bithynian Kingdom, Nikomedes III Euergetes, 127-94 BC, AR Tetradrachm struck 126/5 BC
Diademed head of Nikomedes II right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EПiΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔΩΣ.
(The reverse is Zeus standing left holding sceptre and laurel wreath capping Nikomedes name, eagle standing left on fulmen in inner left field above monogram ΩΓYE, dated below BOP = Bithynian era year 172 = 126/5 BC).
De Callatay pl. XV, D12-R1a (this coin); SNG von Aulock 6894 (same reverse die); Sear GCV 7274 (date variant).
(33mm, 16.68 g,11h)
Jencek; ex- Noble Investments (UK) PLC; ex- Spink Sale 5014 (28 September 2005) Lot 121; ex- Monnaies et Medailles (19-20 June 1975) lot 163; ex- Bank Leu Auction 2 (25 April 1972) lot 224

This coin holds it own amongst the masterpieces of late Hellenistic portraiture. The obverse image is that of a confident and contented ruler, Nikomedes II (149-127 BC), comfortable in his role leading a client state of Rome, while secure in the knowledge that the military might of the latter underpinned his position. Following Nikomedes II reign, the portrait on the obverse of the kingdom’s coinage continued unchanged, through the reign of his son (Nikomedes III) and grandson (Nikomedes IV). However, the issuing king can be readily identified by the date on coins and to a lesser degree by the style of the obverse.

Nikomedes II commenced the practice of dating Bithynian coinage, with reference to the era commencing 297/6 BC, this date being the date of foundation of the Bithynian Kingdom by Zipoetes. This coin was struck shortly after the death of Nikomedes II and the portrait closely resembles that on coins struck during his reign. It is an accurate portrayal of Nikomedes II. With time the portrait became increasingly stylized so that some examples struck toward the end of the kingdom’s existence bear only a passing resemblance to the original portrait.
2 comments
11193p00~0.jpg
Greek, Philetairos I, 282 - 263 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, Meydancikkale 3000, SNG Paris 1603 var, SNG Von Aulock -, SNG Cop -, VF, 16.629g, 28.1mm, 0o, Pergamum mint, c. 265 - 263 B.C.; obverse head of Philetaerus right in taenia; reverse FILETAIROU downward on right, Athena enthroned left, right hand on shield before her, spear over shoulder in left, leaf above arm, bow right; high relief portrait; very rare.

Very lifelike, expressive portrait.
1 commentsCleisthenes
KINGS_of_PERGAMON__Attalos_I_to_Eumenes_II__241-159_BC.jpg
Greek, Philetairos, Kings of Pergamon, Attalos I to Eumenes II.KINGS of PERGAMON. Attalos I to Eumenes II. 241-159 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.70 g, 12h). Struck circa 225/15-189/8. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, with spear at side, supporting shield with right hand and resting left elbow on small statuette on sphinx; ivy leaf above knee, bow to outer right, A on throne. Westermark Group III, dies V.XXIX/R?; SNG France 1609 (same obv. die). XF, porous. CNG auction.

Photo and Description , courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Sam Mansourati Collection / EX CNG
7 commentsSam
ptolemy2~0.jpg
Greek, Ptolemy II Philadelphus AR TetradrachmObverse: Diademed head of Ptolemy I Soter
Reverse: Eagle with folded wings standing on thunderbolts. PTOLEMAIOY SOTHROS; Regnal Year 31 (255/54 BC) of Ptolemy II (285-246 BC) Monograms and control marks of the Gaza mint in the fields

Many of the portraits of Ptolemy Soter (the Savior) are little more than caricatures on the tetradrachms that are commonly for sale. Perhaps after engraving the same features for centuries the man behind the image became lost. I think this coin portrait has great quality and I imagine it looks a lot like the original Ptolemy I although cut about thirty years after his death. Ptolemy I may have been regarded as the George Washington of his day and the the notion of "father of his country" is exemplified in this portrait.
It is ironic that his patron, Alexander, overthrew the Persian God-Kings and was a major factor in preserving the role of the individual in Western values. Ptolemy's dynasty generally followed the Egyptian model with family members succeeding family members for over two centuries rather than the highly competitive and dynamic model that shaped Western politics and history.

Gaza mint; Svoronos 828; wt 13.7 gm
daverino
Picture_14.jpg
Greek, Ptolemy VI PhilometorSilver Tetradrachm
Alexandria mint
Struck c. 170-164 B.C.
27mm 14.2g
Obv: Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis.
Rev: PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS, eagle standing left on thunderbolt.
Svoronos 1489; SNG Copenhagen 265
4 commentsmihali84
Seleukos_I_on_Sophytes_Drachm.jpg
Greek, Seleukos I Nikator (?) on Sophytes Drachm, BaktriaThe portrait on the obverse of this coin is may be that of Seleukos I Nikator. It appears that Sophytes submitted to Seleukos I during the latter’s eastern anabasis in 306-305 BC and was appointed to the position of Satrap of Baktria. Following the incorporation of Baktria into the Seleukid Empire, the Seleukid administration appears to have sponsored Greek migration into the territory from Asia Minor. The increased demand for coinage would explain the successive emissions of owl, eagle and cock coinage, which culminated in the issue of the epigraphic Sophytes cock emission. The inspiration for the obverse was probably the Hero/Trophy issue of Susa, which commenced ca 301 BC. The frontal profile and features of the portrait on the obverse of Sophytes issues bear a resemblance to the portrait of Seleukos on the later coinage of Philetairos of Pergamon. On allying himself with Seleukos, Philetairos issued coinage bearing the portrait of Seleukos on the obverse the name of Philetairos on a distinctive non-Seleukid reverse. The parallels between the documented circumstances and coinage of Philetairos with the earlier undocumented history and coinage of Sopytes are apparent and suggestive of the circumstances under which Sophytes came to issue coinage bearing his name in Seleukid Baktria.

With growing power and provincial wealth following a decade of Greek immigration to the province, it is possible that Sophytes determined to move on a more independent path and issued coinage in his name, but bearing the image of Seleukos, in anticipation that the latter would pacify any concern that Seleukos may have with the approach. However, the latter strategy appears to have failed and Sophytes rapidly disappears from the scene and numismatic record. This action of Sophytes may have been the trigger for Seleukos to declare Antiochos co-regent and satrap of the eastern provinces. With this appointment, Antiochos was dispatched to Baktria and set about expanding the Seleukid administration and development of the province, including the establishment of Seleukid royal mints at Baktra and Ai Khanoum, commencing around 294 BC.
GAE404_O.jpg
Greek, Zeus, Syracusan Imitation Ptolemaic Diobol of Hieron II ca. 265BCPtolemy II Philadelphos - Syracuse Issue of Hieron II - Diobol - 285/246BC
AE 26.9-28.4mm : 14.736gm : 2h
OBV - Laureate Zeus facing right
REV - Eagle standing on thunderbolt facing left, wing open, head facing left, no leg monogram, shield in left field, N control letter behind eagle tail at right. BASILEOS right, PTOLEMAIOY left
REF - Svoronos 619
NOTE - This type actually struck in Syracuse by Hieron II ca. 265BC. New research just published on this subject (2007). The paper that presents this new attribution is available online at www.ptolemybronze.com.
1 commentsPtolemAE
20200223_034023.jpg
Parthia/Persia, Arsaces XVI (Unknown King II) ca. 78/7-62/1 B.C.AR Tetradrachm
Seleukia on the Tigris Mint
Sellwood 30.2
Sunrise 311
Ex. Gemini XIV
Ex. Phillip Ashton
2 commentsWilliam T2
PSX_20200223_025109~0.jpg
Parthia/Persia, Artabanos I ca. 127-124 B.C.AR Drachm
Ecbatana Mint
Sellwood 20.1
Sunrise 278 (Artabanos III)
Ex. FSR Coin
1 commentsWilliam T2
IMGP0361Got1combo2.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Mithradates II, ca. 123 - 88 BC, or Gotarzes I, 91 - 87 BCAR dr., 4,04gr, 20,6mm;
Sellw. 29.2, Shore 103, Sunrise - ;
mint: Ekbatana, axis: 12h;
obv.: floating bust, left, w/tiara, diadem, knot, and 2 ribbons; tiara w/3 rows of pellets and 1 row of ∼ enclosing an 8-point star, long earflap; mustache, long tapering beard; earring, multi-turn torque w/pellet finial; cuirass; dotted border 5:30 to 8h;
rev.: slight incuse left; archer w/bow, right, on throne; exergual line; 6-line legend: BΛΣIΛEΩΣ BΛΣIΛEΩN APΣAKoY ΔIKΛIoY EVEPΓEToY KΛIΦIΛEΛΛΗN.

1 commentsSchatz
IMGP1096Mith2_combo~0.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Mithradates II, ca.123-88 BCAR dr., 4,09gr, 21,2mm; Sellwood 24.10, Shore 70, Sunrise --;
mint: Ekbatana or Rhagai, axis 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot and 2 ribbons; short cap-like hair, mustache, medium-long beard; earring, torque w/griffin or horse finial; dotted border 9 to 14h;
rev.: archer, right, on omphalos, w/bow in right hand; 4-line legend beginning on left and forming square: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛoY APΣAKoY EΠIΦANoY(Σ); exergual line;
iridescent "rainbow" tone;
a portrait of the young king who was probably the greatest of the Parthian rulers.
3 commentsSchatz
IMGP3349Orod2combo~0.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Orodes II., 57 - 38 BCAR dr., 3,89gr, 19,8mm; Sellwood 45.19, Shore 229var., Sunrise - ;
mint: Susa; axis: 13h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/broad diadem, knot and 2 or 3 ribbons; medium-long hair in 4 waves, mustache, short beard in 3 rows of curls; multi-turn torque w/ single pellet finial; cuirass;
rev.: archer, right, on throne, w/bow in one hand, x above and monogram and dot below; 7-line legend: ΒΛCIΛΕΩC BΛCΙΛΕΩΝ ΛΡCΛKoV EVEPΓEToV ΔIKΛIoV EΠIΦΛNoVC ΦIΛEΛΛHN(o)C; almost uncirculated;
one of the most beautiful Parthian portraits of a young king.
1 commentsSchatz
IMGP0190Sasscombo~0.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Sasanian Empire: Ardashir I, 224 - 242 ADAR dr., 4,56gr., 25mm;
Göbl type III/2/2, Sunrise 714; Sel. 10;
mint: C (Ktesiphon), axis 15h;
obv.: bust, right, w/diadem type G and korymbos over close fitting cap; long undulated hair and beard, mustache; Pahlavi legend on the inside of complete dotted border;
rev.: fire altar w/flames (type 3) and diadems (type G), flanked by 2 altar pillars; Pahlavi legend against the upper left and right complete dotted border;
Schatz
IMGP4434Unkntdrcombo.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Unknown King, 80 - 70 BCAR tdr., 15,82gr., 28,2mm;
Sellw. 30.4, Sh --, Sunrise 312 (this coin; Arsakes XVI., 78/77 - 62/61 BC;
mint: Seleukia, axis: 12H;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot, and ribbon; medium h-long hair in 4 waves, mustache, short beard; cuirass; dotted border 18:30 - 13h; young face;
rev: archer, right, on throne, w/bow; monogr. above bow; 7-line legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY (ΘEO)ΠATOPOΣ (EY)EPΓETOY EΠIΦANOYΣ ΦIΛEΛΛHNO(Σ);

ex: The New York Sale, Baldwin Auction XXXvii (5. Jan. 2016),
ex: The Sunrise Collection, p.182, #312.

A Sunrise plate coin, also in: Parthika.fr, Les Différents Types.
2 commentsSchatz
IMGP0122Unkntdrcombo.jpg
PARTHIA/PERSIA, Unknown King, 80 - 70 BCAR tdr., 15,65gr, 29,2mm; Sellwood 30.2, Shore --, Sunrise 311 (Arsakes XVI. 78/77-62/1);
Mint: Seleukia, axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/ diadem, knot and 1 broad ribbon; mustache, medium-long hair in 3 waves; torque w/single pellet finial; cuirass; dotted border 8-15:30h;
rev.: archer, right, on throne, w/bow in right hand; composite monogram above bow; 7-line legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY EΠIΦANOYΣ ΦIΛEΛΛΗNOΣ; exergual line;
3 commentsSchatz
CJSII-0414 obv.JPG
Roman, Aelia Flaccillaex FORVM - 2243. Bronze AE2, RIC 43, gVF, 3.1g, 20.8mm, 180o, Nicomedia mint, 25 Aug 383 - 386 A.D.; obverse AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG, draped bust right with an elaborate head dress, necklace and mantle; reverse SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Aelia Flacilla standing facing head right, arms folded on breast, SMN[ in ex; irregular flan, excellent portrait, black patina beautifully highlighted by read earthen fill, this is the most elaborate hairstyle we have seen on this type; very rare7 commentscscoppa
Agrippina-Ses-Ob-_-Rev~2.jpg
Roman, Agrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)Agrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)
Sestertius
Daughter of Julia and Marcus Agrippa, wife of Germanicus and mother of Emperor Caligula. The most beautiful woman of all Caesars in the most incredible condition. The finest known specimen originally from the Morreti Collection.

Posthumous portrait ordered by Caligula to commemorate his mother who had tragically died in exile.

Cohen 1 ; RIC 42
9 comments
AntoSeBestPortret.jpg
Roman, Antoninus Pius superb portraits from two sestertii from the same dieThe nicest portrait of Antoninus Pius in my collection, twice.
Sestertii minted Rome, A.D. 140-144.
Left: 28.4g, Ø 33-34mm, 12h (RIC 621) / Right: 24.4g, Ø 32-34mm, 12h (RIC 641)
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laurate head right
2 commentsCharles S
24852q00~0.jpg
ROMAN, Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D.SH24852. Gold aureus, RIC III 233e, Calico 1530 (same obv die), Cohen II 314, aEF, weight 7.0221 g, maximum diameter 20.1 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 153 - 154 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVII, laureate head left; reverse COS IIII, Antoninus Pius, togate, standing left, globe in extended right, scroll in left; superb obverse portrait, recognizable portrait on reverse, minor blemish on the second I on the reverse, ex Harlan Berk; scarce2 commentsJoe Sermarini
00augantioch~1.jpg
Roman, AUGUSTUSAR tetradrachm. Antioch ad Orontem. 2-1 BC. 15,23 grs. 12 h. Laureate head right. KAIΣAΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ.

Prieur 55
benito
16768q00.jpg
ROMAN, Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.SH16768. Silver denarius, SRCV I 1592, RIC I 541, BMCRE I 664, superb EF, weight 3.850 g, maximum diameter 20.1 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Asia Minor mint, 27 - 20 B.C.; obverse laureate head right, dot border; reverse AVGVSTVS, capricorn left, holding globe, cornucopia above, rudder below; extraordinary high relief impossible to capture in a photograph, lustrous and nearly as struck; rare1 commentsJoe Sermarini
auguste_aegvptos.jpg
Roman, Augustus, OctavianusCAESAR DIVI F COS VI
AEGVPTO CAPTA
RIC 545 (R3) ; Cohen 4 (30 Fr) ; BMC 653
ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Collection Frédéric Weber
5 commentsfrederic W
Augustus.JPG
Roman, AUGUSTUS. From a Cistophorus of Pergamum. Struck c.19 - 18 B.C.
RIC I : 510
4 comments*Alex
aurelianobv_copy.jpg
Roman, Aurelian Billon AntoninianusSear (2000) 11581, RIC 232. Minted in Siscia 272 A.D. (according to Sear).
Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aurelian right.
Reverse: PAX AVGVSTI; Pax walking left, holding olive branch and transverse scepter.
Star in left field, T in right field.
If Sear's dating is correct Aurelian was about sixty two years old when this coin
was minted. I believe this coin image reflects the character of Aurelian better
than any other I have seen. A ruthless general, he was also a person of
intelligence and understanding, who instituted a number of civil and religious
reforms, and began the restoration of the currency. Aware of the
continuing threat from the German tribes, he also began the construction of
a massive wall around the City of Rome, parts of which still exist.
2 commentsJames Anderson
aurorbisO.JPG
Roman, Aurelian Silvered Antoninianus RIC 368OBV: IMP C AURELIANUS AVG; Radiate and cuirassed bust right,
REV: RESTITUTOR ORBIS; Aurelian receiving a wreath from a Woman (PAX), Cyzicus Mint, about 275 AD

The coin is not the most perfect but the portrait is super. Done after Aurelian had reunited the Empire the Emperor is depicted as warrior hero, tough but humane -which Aurelian was. The relief of the ear is low compared to most coins, probably to avoid having the silvering wear off too quickly. The highlight of the eye is very realistically imitated and this makes a very animated portrait.
1 commentsdaverino
caligulasest~1.jpg
Roman, CALIGULAAE sestertius3 commentsbenito
RI 066ab obv.jpg
Roman, CaracallaThis seemed such a striking portrait of this notorious emperor that I couldn't resist.5 commentsmaridvnvm
N80063~0.jpg
Roman, CaracallaAn incuse profile of Caracalla is visible on the reverse4 commentsTLP
caracalla33.jpg
Roman, CARACALLA2 commentsbenito
Roman_Empire_,_Emperor_Caracalla__,_AD_198-217.png
Roman, CARACALLARoman Empire , Emperor Caracalla , AD 198-217
Caracalla / Serapis AR Denarius
Obverse : ANTONINVSPIVSAVGBRIT - Laureate head right.
Reverse : PMTRPXVCOSIIIPP - Serapis standing left, raising hand and holding scepter.
( 3.49 gr )

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus , commonly known Caracallus or Caracalla.

From the Sam Mansourati collection.
Sam
Mature_Caracalla_Portrait_7x-1.jpg
Roman, Caracalla * Mature
Of all the Caracalla portraits, I’m most drawn to & fond of those which show him in his greatest maturity. This one, dated to 217 AD, the year of his death is about as ‘mature’ as one can get for the man.
This portrait strikes me as exceptionally handsome, which I well-imagine he was in reality, despite his ‘official portraiture’ which often suggests otherwise.

Too, I think some of his portraits, such as this one, suggest strongly a certain vanity in his masculine appearance – that he was well groomed and took considerable pride in his over-all appearance, quite despite his soldierly life-style.
Such vanity and the purposefulness of his official portraiture not withstanding, here I believe one beholds ‘Caracalla’ the man more as he was – an alpha male par excellence, and a devilishly handsome one.

Portrait from AR Denarius * Caracalla * Serapis
Mint: Rome
Struck: 217 AD.
Size: 19 mm.

RIC 291b
* Reverse of * RIC 289, pg. 255

Submitted by Tiathena
5 commentsTiathena
caracalla_AR-drachm_ex-CNG_01_95%-obv~0.JPG
Roman, Caracalla - Caesarea, Cappadocia - AR DrachmRoman Empire
Emperor Caracalla Silver Drachm of Caesarea, Cappadocia.
Struck year 17 (208 - 209 AD)
Titles in Greek.

obv: Laureate bust right.
rev: Mount Argaeus surmounted by star; crescent in left field.

ex CNG
Weight: 3.15 grams
Reference: Syderham 476c
8 commentsrexesq
carodessos~0.jpg
Roman, Caracalla AE 26 of Odessos, ThraceOBV: AVK MAV ANTWNINOC; Laureate, draped cuirassed bust seen from behind, REV:ODHCCEITWN; The Great God of Odessos offering sacrifice over a lighted altar.
The portrait of Caracalla as a youth is beautifully modeled and very idealized. Usually the provincial mints did not produce this quality of coin sculpture, superb even in a worn condition.


Moushmov 1610
daverino
caracalla_AD214_AR-antoninianus_venus-victrix_bothsides.JPG
Roman, Caracalla AR Antoninianus - 'Venus Victrix'Caracalla AR Antoninianus.

obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM - Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed, seen from front.
rev: VENVS VICTRIX - Venus standing holding victory and sceptre, shield by her side.
Well struck and well centered coin on a very large flan.
5.2 grams.
1 commentsrexesq
caracallaPortrait.jpg
Roman, Caracalla DenariusANTONINVS - PIVS AVG
Draped and laureated bust right

R/ PART MAX PONT TRP IIII
two captives seated below trophy.

Denarius struck 201 AD in ROM

RIC.54b C.175

18 mm -- 3,89 g -- axis 180°

beautifull portrait on heavy flan

the coin is in my gallery
gb29400
Caracalla-Prieur-1144~0.jpg
Roman, Caracalla tetradrachm.Tetradrachm, 205-207 AD, Laodiceia ad Mare.
Obverse: AVT KAI . ANTΩNEINOC . CE . / Laureate bust of Caracalla.
Reverse: ΔHMAPX EΞ VΠATOC B / Eagle, holding wreath in beak, star between legs.
12.91 gm., 25 mm.
Bellinger #57; Prieur #1144.

A portrait of Caracalla as an adolescent.
Callimachus
carcalla cln~0.jpg
Roman, Caracalla, Caesarea maritima KNOCKOUT caracalla Tet'.Obv:bust r. slightly bearded
R:eagle standing over torch around which serpent is twined
Ros- 62
1 commentsMaritima
20151025A2Q03SoiZuKOgASt_AUqbD_large.jpeg
Roman, Caracalla, DenariusRome, AD 214. Laureate head of Caracalla right.

RIC IV 246. RSC 247.
00carausius~1.jpg
Roman, CARAUSIUSAE antoninianus. Camulodonum. Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right. IMP C CARAUSIUS P F AVG. / Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre. PAX AVGGG. In field, S-P. In exergue C.

benito
carinus_forum_portrait.jpg
Roman, CARINUS, as Caesar. 282-283 AD. Antoninianus.
ClaudiusSestertius(Obv).jpg
Roman, Claudius I10 comments
037.JPG
Roman, Claudius I3 commentsRandygeki(h2)
RI_122m_obv.jpg
Roman, Claudius II GothicusA nice strike with decent centering leading to a nice portrait overall.1 commentsmaridvnvm
Claudius_II_Gothicus_AE_Antoninianus~0.jpg
ROMAN, Claudius II Gothicus ( AD 268-270 )AE Antoninianus , with a superb portrait , (as found patina)
Obverse: IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG, radiate and draped bust right 
Reverse: FIDES MILIT, Fides ( goddess of trust )standing left holding two Legionary ensigns. S in Exergue.
Mediolanum ( Milan ) mint AD 268-270.
Weight: 3.4 gr. Max Diameter: 18 mm.
Reference: RIC VI 149 Mediolanum.



**The Golden Legend of 1260 AD recounts how St. Valentine refused to deny Christ before the "Emperor Claudius" in 270 AD ( in some ref ; 269 AD as he was beheaded in that year 269 AD ,per Sam) and as a result was beheaded. Since then, February 14 marks Valentine's Day, a day set aside by the Christian church in memory of the Roman priest and physician.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
4 commentsSam
Claudiussestreal~0.jpg
Roman, Claudius SestertiusRIC 115, Sear 1854. Claudius
(Reverse - Spes Augusta)
claude_Avers_hightF.jpg
Roman, Claudius, Amazing "Medallic" ClavdivsAS
Mint: Roma
41 AD
Dimensions: 32mm/17,52grms ( theorical weight: 10,82grms)
Obverse: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TR P IMP
"Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potestas Imperator".
Reverse: S-C
"Senatus Consulto"
Réf : Cohen 84 var. (f.) - RIC. 100 - BMC. 149 - BN. 179.
Conservation: SUP
to see the reverse follow this link:
http://storage.canalblog.com/85/25/140642/30815258.jpg
6 comments
40551q00.jpg
Roman, Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 Dec 192 A.D.SH40551. Bimetallic medallion, Cohen 376 var (300 fr., bust right, central reverse figure hand downward); Gnecchi II p. 57 No. 52 - 53 var (same), aEF, dark brown patina, Rome mint, weight 59.635g, maximum diameter 39.6mm, die axis 0o, 188 A.D.; obverse COMMODVS ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P, MON AVG, three monetae standing slightly left, each with a scale in right and cornucopia in left, the center figure is smaller, right hand upward and standing on a short round base; ex Gorney & Mosch, auction 180, lot 404; ex Helios Numismatik auction 3, 155; possibly unique5 commentsJoe Sermarini
100_5827.JPG
Roman, Constans 1 commentsRandygeki(h2)
CONSTANS.jpg
Roman, Constans, AE2 Galley SisciaConstans AE2 Galley Siscia Mint, silver washed. Best preserved ancient coin I've ever acquired. 1 commentsAleksandar J
DSCN3469.JPG
Roman, Constantine IA truly magnificent portrait. RIC VII, Arles Mint, 3453 commentsMayadigger
Constantine_I.JPG
Roman, Constantine IConstantine I, before the generic portraiture of the Tetrarchy had fully taken hold. From an AE Follis of Carthage struck in A.D.307 depicting Constantine I as Caesar.
Further details can be found here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=142037
1 comments*Alex
76392q00.jpg
Roman, Constantine II, 22 May 337 - March or April 340 A.D.RL76392. Billon centenionalis, apparently unpublished, cf. RIC VII Siscia 116 - 117 (for obv. type) and 138 - 139 (for rev. type, issues of the Licinii), EF, excellent portrait, both sides slightly off-center, left side of reverse legend weak, some porosity, a few light marks, weight 2.773 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 180o, 5th officina, Siscia (Sisak, Croatia) mint, as caesar, 320 A.D.; obverse CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust left; reverse VIRTVS EXERCIT (courage of the army), vexillum inscribed VOT / XX in two lines, two seated barbarian captives back-to-back flanking base, Christogram (Chi-Rho monogram) left, ESIS star in exergue; ex Scott Collection; extremely rareJoe Sermarini
CJSII-0729 Obv.jpg
Roman, Constantius IIFL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C

He looks upset with the world.........
1 commentscscoppa
33843q00.jpg
Roman, Diadumenian, mid May - 8 June 218 A.D.SH33843. Silver denarius, SRCV II 7449, RIC IV 102, BMC 87, Cohen 3, EF, Rome mint, weight 3.339g, maximum diameter 20.9mm, die axis 0o, as Caesar, 11 Apr 217 - mid May 218 A.D.; obverse M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian, in military dress, standing left, head right, standard in right, short scepter in left, two grounded standards right; mint luster, superb portrait2 commentsJoe Sermarini
Diadumenian_Caesar.jpg
Roman, Diadumenianus, Rome mint, struck 217-218 AD, AE Dupondius or AsM OPEL ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS CAES draped bust right

RIC 212, Cohen 9, BMC 158
4 comments
dominitian_minerva_1~0.jpg
Roman, Dominitian.Dominitian and his incredible Flavian profile, with that nose and chin trying to meet in the middle. I think something about the portrait is mildly subversive, in that I think a few honest Roman citizens would have seen it and thought "He's in charge? Crikey..."
Banjaxed
Domitian Denarius RIC 100.JPG
Roman, DomitianDomitian Denarius. 87 AD. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, laureate head right / IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, weilding javelin and holding shield. RSC 228.

One of the best portraits I have in my collection.
2 comments
Domitian_RIC_435_~0.jpg
Roman, Domitian, AR DenariusDOMITIAN, (A.D. 81-96), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 86, Second Issue
(3.47 g),
Obv. laureate head of Domitian to right, around IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, Rev. around IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to right, fighting, holding javelin and shield,
RIC 435, RSC 201b BMC 93.
Attractive blue and gold patina, extremely fine.
Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection. With old dealer's ticket.
Noble Numismatics Auction 120 Lot 3217 April 4, 2019.
2 commentsorfew
Domitian_RIC_3_VAR_CNG_May_20,2020_copy~0.jpg
Roman, Domitian, denarius 81 CEDomitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius
(17.5mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Rome mint.
Struck 13 September-31 December AD 81.
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAESAR DOMITANVS AVG
Rev: Pulvinar (throne) of Jupiter and Juno: square seat, draped, with tassels: it has a triangular frame on it, on which are three vertical bars on each side and one palmette in center, there is a lituus under the triangular frame; TR P COS VII.
RIC II.1 3 (Var); RSC 554a.
Light tone over hairlined surfaces. Good VF.
From the Benito Collection.
CNG electronic auction 468 Lot 411
1 commentsorfew
D393_new~0.jpg
Roman, Domitian, denarius, 85 CEDomitian AR Denarius 88 CE (Sixth issue)
(3.49g)
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P IIII
Rev: Minerva standing left with spear; IMP XI COS XI CENS PP P
RIC 393; BMC 87; RSC 189
Ex: Calgary coin
Ex: Savuto collection
1 commentsorfew
RIC_507_T_Domitian.jpg
Roman, Domitian, RIC 507Obverse: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII - Laureate head right
Reverse: PAX AVGVST S C - Pax standing left with branch and cornucopiae.
mm. 34 - g. 25,93
RIC2 507 R (Titus) - RPC II 504 - 80 a.D. Thracian mint
A realistic powerful portrait of the last of the Twelve Caesars
8 commentsFlaviusDomitianus
normal_elagabalus_AR-Ant_salus_5_20gr_00~1.JPG
Roman, Elagabalus AR Antoninianus - SALVS ANTONINI AVGRoman Empire
Emperor Varius 'Elagabalus' Antoninus (218 - 222 AD)
Silver Antoninianus, Struck at the Rome Mint.

obv: IMP CAES M AUR ANTONINUS - Radiate bust of the Emperor right, draped and cuirassed.
rev: SALVS ANTONINI AUG - Salus standing facing right, holding snake, which she feeds from patera held in other hand.

5.20 Grams
------------
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**CLICK TO ENLARGE**
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1 commentsrexesq
Elagabalus~0~0.jpg
Roman, ELAGABALUS. 218-222 AD. AR Antoninianus ELAGABALUS. 218-222 AD. AR Antoninianus (21mm - 5.31 g). Rome mint. Struck 219 AD. IMP ANTONINVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right, seen from behind / P M TR P II COS II P P, Providentia standing left, leaning on column, holding wand over globe in right hand, cornucopia in left. RIC IV 23; BMCRE 102; RSC 144. EF, just a trace of minor porosity.

5 commentsPhiloromaos
33181q00.jpg
Roman, Faustina Sr., Augusta 25 February 138 - Early 141, wife of Antoninus PiusSH33181. Gold aureus, SRCV II 4553 (same dies), Cayon 1765 (same), RIC III 356d, Cohen 98, BMCRE IV 398, Choice EF, Rome mint, weight 6.923g, maximum diameter 19.8mm, die axis 180o, 147 - 161 A.D.; obverse DIVA FAVSTINA, diademed, draped and veiled bust left; reverse AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, torch in right, scepter in left; very light hairline scratches; ex Lanz, Auction 135, lot 745 (misattributed); hints of red toning, bold and beautiful, struck with elegant dies!; scarce

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.
8 commentsJoe Sermarini
florianus_portrait_forum.jpg
Roman, Florian. 276 AD.1 comments
00galba~1.jpg
Roman, GALBA2 commentsbenito
galba-obv+rev-sest.jpg
Roman, GALBA SESTERTIUS.Galba 68-69 AD Bronze Sesterce. A true classic head of Galba, powerful and Roman with all the Republican virtues. Beatifull natural patina. Purchased Leu 1980. Ex Sartige 1938 and dating back to the beginning of 1900's

Coins to fall in love with www.petitioncrown.com
11 comments
fond2.jpg
Roman, Galba's "scareface"Master's portrait of the emperor Galba on sestertius.

2 comments
ROMAN_EMPIRE__Galerius_as_Caesar.jpg
Roman, Galerius as Caesar ROMAN EMPIRE / Galerius, as Caesar (AD 293-305) Argenteus
Obverse : Laureate head of Galerius right
Reverse : Tetrarchs sacrificing before six-turreted enclosure, Gamma in exe.
Rome mint, 3rd officina Struck AD 295-297
MS (according to auction house), RIC 35b. RSC 183b.


**I believe there is an unusual misspelling of reverse legend.

From the Sam Mansourati collection.
2 commentsSam
GallienusUNC.JPG
Roman, Gallienus, AE AntoninianusNo reverse but a superior portrait of Gallienus for these crummy issues. Anyone with a better portrait?1 commentswhitetd49
geta~0.JPG
Roman, GetaHappy childhood ?

Ecoli

2 commentsecoli
IM001004.JPG
Roman, GetaA very good, sensitive portrait especially for a provincial issue. The entire coin and description may be seen in whitetd49 Severan gallery.whitetd49
GetaTrophy1a~0.jpg
Roman, GetaGeta, as Caesar, Denarius. 200-202 AD. P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, draped bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Geta, in military dress, standing left with baton & scepter, trophy behind. RSC 157awl
g01b_2.jpg
Roman, Geta Caesar of RomeRIC 34a. Mint of Rome, 202-209 AD.
Very authentic features!
3 comments
00gordianeagle~0~0.jpg
Roman, GORDIAN III1 commentsbenito
Gordian_III.jpg
Roman, Gordian III Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius / SILVER ANTONINIANUS

OBVERSE : IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG - radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.

REVERSE : VIRTVS AVG - Virtus in crested helmet standing left with branch & spear, sheild on ground before .
Max D : 23.8 MM AND 4.03 GRAMS. 
Ref., :RSC 383

Called Gordian III , ruled as a Roman Emperor FROM 238 – 244 AD. 
Gordian III is one of the most powerful men in the world.

Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
Gordian_III_antioch.jpg
Roman, Gordian IIIGordian III. A.D. 238-244. AR antoninianus (23 mm, 5.05 g, 6 h). Antioch, A.D. 238/9. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirased bust of Gordian III right / LIBERALITAS AVG, Liberalitas standing facing, head left, holding pileus and scepter. RIC 186; RSC 127a. Superb EF, spectacular portrait nicely centered on a large flan with nearly full borders and excellent metal.
paul1888
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