Examples From The Sam Mansourati Collection
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Biblical/Judean / AUGUSTUS, Marcus Ambibulus , Hendin-1329Augustus / Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus.
Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 9-12 AD, bronze prutah of 16 mm, 2.14 grams. Struck in the year 9 AD.
Jerusalem mint.
Obverse: Ear of grain, KAICA POC.
Reverse: Palm tree with 2 bunches of dates and date : LMO
Reference: Hendin-1329.
*Jesus was born sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.
According to St. Matthew, King Herod as the ruler during the time of the Nativity, and Herod died in 4 B.C. , according the dates of the later on struck coins with the new ruler name and dates (see note)
Later, to kill Jesus and eliminate him as a rival king, Herod ordered the "Massacre of the Innocents" - the killing of all male children in Bethlehem aged two years and under. This means that Jesus may have been up to two years old already by that time, and this sets the Nativity between 6 and 4 B.C.
**Surely All coins at that time were struck under the Roman emperor (who happened to be the first Roman emperor in history Augustus (Octavian) Not Julius Caesar as commonly known, Julius was only a dictator and Caesar during the Roman Republic time, never considered Emperor despite the title IMP on some of his coins).
The dates on coins struck during the time of Nativity, before that time, and even later, completely different story depends on the mint home , the ruler year and the kingdom or empire. Using AD (Anno Domini) was much later.
“Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you won’t awaken or arouse love before its proper time.” Song of Solomon.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a great man, a dear friend and brother Rev. Robert E. Burnock , on 2/25/2020.
Sam
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Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan , early Fals struck in Ma`arrat MisrinMa`arrat Misrin (in Jund Qinnarsrin) mint, 4.320 grams, 21.3 mm, die axis 90o, 670 - 685 A.D. Rare.
Obverse: Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan standing bearded, placing his right hand on the pommel of his sword and whip hanging from his right elbow; to left, 'Amir al-Mu 'minin' ('Commander of the Faithful' in Kufic); to right, Khalifat Allah' ('Caliph of God')., right hand on sword.
Reverse : modified cross on 3 or 4 steps, in field to right, 'ma'arrat' in Kufic; in field to left, 'misrin' in Kufic; around, part of the first Kalima reading 'la ilaha illa Allah wahdahu Muhammad (missing rasul Allah') meaning ('There is no God but God alone; Muhammad is the messenger of God) but missing the part : the messenger of God
The Sam Mansourati Collection / FORVM Ancient Coins
Sam
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Achaemenid Empire. Darius I-Xerxes II. 485-420 BC AR Siglos, Type IIIb.pngAchaemenid Empire. Xerxes I to Darios II AR Siglos
Sardes Mint Circa 485-420 BC
Obverse: Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear and bow
Reverse: Incuse punch
Interesting, and clear countermarks
References: Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XII, 17); Meadows, Administration 322; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 17; Sunrise 25
15 MM, 5.4 GR.
The Sam Mansourati Collection
Sam
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Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138.Æ As (24 mm, 9.76 gr). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian.
Bare head right / Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting skirt of dress.VG, brown patina.
Sam
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AL-Muqtadir Dirham / SAMANID / Rare.SAMANID
*Ahmad bin ( son of ) Sahl ( name is on left photo ), rebel, 915-920, AR Dirham , Andaraba mint , 303 H , Album B1453, this rebel in Khorasan maintained formal recognition of the Samanid ruler Nasr II bin ( son of ) Ahmad (name is on right photo ) on all his coins, aVF
3.1 gr .Rare.
Here is an English translation from Arabic ;
Left side
From outter in order ;
1- Rum verses: 4-5
2- In the name of Allah this Dirham was struck in Andaraba year 303
3- There is no
God but Allah alone with
no partner
Ahmed bin Sahel
Right side ;
From outter in order
1- Repentance: Verse 33
2-Allah
3-Mohammed
4-Messenger of Allah
5-AL-Muqtadir bi Allah
6-Nasr bin ( son of ) Ahmad
7- Sinn ( the letter S in Arabic )Sam
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Alexander III "the Great" Lifetime Issue AR Tetradrachm Amphipolis MintThis Tetradrachm ( 4 Drachms ) was struck and circulated during the life of Alexander the third (born 356 BC), or as commonly known " Alexander The Great "
Ruled from 336 BC and died in Babylon year 323 BC.
AR Tetradrachm (22.5mm, 16.94 g, 10h). Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 332-326 BC.
Obverse : Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.
Reverse : Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, horizontal club above Σ within Ω.
Lightly toned, tiny mark on obverse, minor flan flaw on reverse. Good VF.
Price 66; Troxell, Studies, Issue D7.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Alexander III , The Great Drachm Miletos mint.Silver Drachm,
Miletos (near Balat, Turkey) mint, struck under Philoxenos, c. 325 - 323 B.C.
Obverse :head of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck.
Reverse: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on backless throne, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, right leg forward (lifetime style), eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, thunderbolt left, AΛEΞANΔPOY downward behind, ΔΗ monogram under throne.
Price 2088, Müller Alexander 11, SNG Alpha Bank 627.
The Sam Mansourati Collection./Given as a souvenir to a superb dear friend Dr. Joseph Diaz.Sam
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Alexander III the Great Lifetime Issue AR Tetradrachm Damascus MintKINGS of MACEDON.
Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC.
AR Tetradrachm , Damascus mint. Struck under Menon or Menes, circa 330-323 BC.
Obverse : Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.
Reverse : Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; AP (monogram)X in left field; below throne, four pellets between struts, ΔA below. Price 3200. Iridescent tone, some marks. Near VF.
26.5 MM W: 16.98 Gr Die Axis : 12h.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Alexander III The Great Lifetime Issue Drachm ! Signed by the artist Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, 336 - 323 B.C.
Silver drachm, Price 2090A, ADM I 80 (same dies), VF, 4.214g, 16.0mm, 0o, Miletos mint, lifetime issue, c. 325 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck, K on lion's jaw behind Herakles' ear; reverse ALEXANDROU, Zeus seated left, legs uncrossed, right leg forward, feet on footstool, eagle in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left, monogram before;
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins ' Shop.
Lifetime Issue! Signed by the artist!(?) The K behind Herakles ear had traditionally been identified as the signature of the artist. Matt Kreuzer, however, believes the K (the Greek numeral 20) was used c. 325 B.C. to introduce the Attic drachm to Miletos by indicating either that 20 of these was equal to a gold stater, or that one of these drachm was equal to 20 of the 3 to 4 gram bronzes circulating at the time.
*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
**This coin is considered as Best of The Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-108526
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Alexander III The Great, Lifetime Issue Bronze unit. Lifetime Issue Bronze unit , 18 mm . 6.38 gr.
Price 337 , Cop. 1053 Var.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Alexander the Great ( or Alexander III ) Tetradrachm Lifetime Issue. Ancient Greek / Alexander the Great (336 - 323) BC Tetradrachm
Obverse : head of Alexander the Great as Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress knotted at base of neck.
Reverse :Zeus seated left, holding eagle in right hand and scepter in left, sickle and M before, AΛEΞAN∆POY ( means Alexander in Ancient Greek ) behind . ΦIΛH monogram under throne over BAΣIΛEΩΣ ( means King in Ancient Greek ) .
Babylon mint, struck 325 to 323 BC , lifetime issue, 17.01 gr . Very rare . Choice gVF.
**A Lifetime Issue , according to FORVM Classical Numismatics Discussion Board .
References : Müller 703, Price 3624*.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Alexandreia Troas. semi-autonomous issues. AD 138-268. ALEX TRO, Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right, CO AV on vexillum behind. COL AVG TRO, eagle standing right, wings spread, on forepart of [bull] right. Sam
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Alexandria Troas, c. 3rd - 2nd Century B.C.Obverse : laureate head Apollo right.
Reverse : AΛEΞA , horse grazing left, monogram and thunderbolt beneath.
Alexandria Troas mint.
aVF , Bronze , SGCV II 4028.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Amisos, Pontus, Time of Mithradates VI, ca. 80 BC.Obverse : Gorgonian head on shield facing.
Reverse : AMI-SOU, Nike advancing right, holding palm over shoulder, monograms above and below. Minted in Amisos of Pontos. Struck 85-655 BC. Ref: SNGBMC 1189.
EX ; Andreas Reich
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Ancient Greek / Apollonia Pontika / AR DiobolObverse : head of Apollo facing with short hair.
Reverse : anchor flukes up, A , crayfish , magistrates initials.
Apollonia Pontika mint.
Topalov Apollonia p. 597, 56; SNG Stancomb 44 ff.; SNG BM 168 ff.; SNG Cop 461 (no magistrate name or name on left),
From the Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Ancient Greek / HESSALY /LarissaGreece ,THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 344-321 BC. AR Drachm
Obverse: Head of nymph facing slightly left.
Reverse : Horse right, grazing.
5,759 gr Max Dia 18 mm
Ref : SNG Cop. 122
From the Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Ancient Greek , CARIA, Halikarnassos (uncertain mint ?)Circa 400 - 340 B.C. Silver Hemiobol (7 mm, 0.54 gr ).
Ram's head right / Man's head (possibly Apollo ) right , Carian letters behind neck , A to right.
Choice g VF ( An exceptional example ) . Rare ( Extremely rare with this grade )
Uncertain mint of Halikarnassos
No references have been found - Early coining ( Under Study )
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Ancient Greek / Alexander the Great (336 - 323) BC DrachmPhilip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Drachm . In the name of Alexander III. Kolophon mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319 BC.
OBVERSE : Head of Alexander, as Hercules, clad in lion’s skin.
REVERSE : Zeus Aëtophoros seated left holding eagle and scepter, Lyre before.
17.9 MM AND 4.16 GRAMS , VF . Price 1768.
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Ancient Greek / Island of THASOS / Tetradrachm ( After 148 BC )Obverse : Head of young Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy and with band across forehead.
Reverse : HPAKΛΕΟΥΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΘΑΣΙΩΝ - Hercules, naked, standing left, holding club, lion's skin over left arm; monogram in field to left.
Reference: Sear 1759; B.M.C. 3.67-78
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Ancient Greek / Kings of Macedonia / Philip II.1/5th Tetradrachm / 323-315 BC.
Obverse : Head of Apollo right, hair bound with taenia .
Reverse : Youth on horseback prancing right.
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Antiochos VII EuergetesFRONT/ Bust of Eros right. BACK / BASILEWS ANTIOCOU EUERGETOU, Headdress of Isis, scepter as monogram to left; aplustre and date EOP below. Minted in the Selukid Kingdom. Struck 138-129 BC. Ref: SNG UK 1301.617-620; BMC 52 (British Museum Catalog #52).
EX ; Andreas Reich
From the Sam Mansourati CollectionSam
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ANTONINUS PIUS / SERAPIS , Alexandria BILLION TETRADRACHMMINTED IN ALEXANDRIA , EGYPT FROM 138 - 161 AD
OBVERSE : ANTwNINO C CEBEUC CEB Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE : Draped bust of Serapis right,modius on head. L K
References : SNG Cop 426 ( No, L K ?)
22.2 MM AND 13.15 GRAMS.
Alexandria ( of Egypt ) issued billon tetradrachms in large numbers between the reign of Augustus and the closing of the Alexandrian mint during the reign of Diocletian. These coins were no doubt mainly intended to pay the salaries of government officials, of the permanent garrison, and of the temporary troops stationed in Alexandria for purposes of war. They were probably also the form in which taxes in money were received, and were used for trade among the people within the city of Alexandria and other Graeco-Roman cities in Egypt. They also served the purpose of providing a subsidiary coinage with Greek legends which formed the vehicle for Roman imperial propaganda throughout Egypt. On the reverse of these coins were placed the Egyptian Hellenized deities, as an indication of the goodwill of the Roman emperors towards Egypt.
The greater part of the agricultural population of Egypt had scarcely any need for coins except to pay their taxes. The real currency and measure of value in the agricultural settlements was grain, wine or oil. The chief export of Egypt was grain, and this did not bring much money to the cultivators, for most of the grain was collected as tribute, not in trade, and they got nothing in return. Consequently, there is reason to suppose that considerably fewer coins circulated in Egypt generally than the region of Alexandria.
From the reign of Nero onwards, Egypt enjoyed an era of prosperity which lasted a century. Much trouble was caused by religious conflicts between the Greeks and the Jews, particularly in Alexandria, which after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD become the world centre of Jewish religion and culture. Under Trajan a Jewish revolt occurred, resulting in the suppression of the Jews of Alexandria and the loss of all their privileges, although they soon returned. Hadrian, who twice visited Egypt, founded Antinoöpolis in memory of his drowned lover Antinous. From his reign onwards buildings in the Greco-Roman style were erected throughout the country. Under Marcus Aurelius, however, oppressive taxation led to a revolt (139 AD) of the native Egyptians, which was suppressed only after several years of fighting.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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ARAB-BYZANTINE, Umayyad Caliphate. Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan. AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. or 661-697 A.D. Obverse :
KAΛON “bi-hims”
Facing bust of Byzantine emperor, holding globus cruciger; to left, KAΛON; to right, “bi-hims” in Arabic and bird’s-eye.
Reverse:
Є/M/I С/H/С - Large M
Large m; star flanked by bird’s eyes above; ground line below; Є/M/I С/H/С to left and right; “tayyib” in Arabic above “dumbell” flanked by pellets in exergue.
Attribution: Sica I 538 / Walker 65v / Arab Byzantine 65; Album 110
Weight3.98 Grams
Diameter:21 mm
Die Axis:4 H
Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan was the first Umayyad caliph , from AH 41-60 (died) / AD 661-680
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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ARAB-BYZANTINE, Umayyad Caliphate. Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan. AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. or 661-697 A.D.Obverse :
KAΛON “bi-hims” بØمص
Facing bust of Byzantine emperor, holding globus cruciger; to left, KAΛON; to right, “bi-hims” in Arabic and bird’s-eye.
Reverse:
Є/M/I С/H/С - Large M
Large m; star flanked by bird’s eyes above; ground line below; Є/M/I С/H/С to left and right; “tayyib” طيب in Arabic above “dumbell” flanked by pellets in exergue.
Attribution: Sica I 538 / Walker 65v / Arab Byzantine 65; Album 110
Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan was the first Umayyad caliph , from AH 41-60 (died) / AD 661-680
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Armenia , Cilicia / Levon I.King Levon I. Born 1150 – Died 2 May 1219.
AE Tank.
King facing / Patriarchal cross.
a VG. 6.82 Gr.Sam
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Aspendos, Pamphylia, 333 - 250 B.C.With the influence of the Olympics games.
Silver stater, Tekin Series 5, SNGvA 4578, SNG BnF 122, SNG Cop -, Arslan-Lightfoot -, gF, weight 9.107g, maximum diameter 24.8mm, die axis 0o, Aspendos mint, 330 - 250 B.C.; obverse two wrestlers, on left holds the right wrist of his opponent with his right hand and right forearm with his left hand, E between their legs, rounded edge; reverse EΣTΦE∆IY, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, O between legs, triskeles above club on right, round border of dots; scarce;
EX FORVM ANCIENT COIN SHOP
After Alexander took Perga peacefully, Aspendos sent envoys to offer surrender if he would not take the taxes and horses formerly paid as tribute to the Persian king. Agreeing, Alexander went on to Side, leaving a garrison behind. When he learned they had failed to ratify the agreement their own evnvoys had proposed, Alexander marched to the city. The Aspendians retreated to their acropolis and again sent envoys to sue for peace. This time, however, they had to agree to harsh terms - they would host a Macedonian garrison and pay 100 gold talents and 4.000 horses annually.
This type is a late example and likely among the last of the wrestler and slinger staters. Struck during economic crisis, perhaps resulting from the harsh terms set by Alexander after their treachery, the flans are underweight, crudely cast and appear to be of debased silver. The wrestlers and slinger are carelessly depicted. It is not as attractive as earlier examples but it is certainly much scarcer.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.Sam
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Aspendos, Pamphylia, 333 - 250 B.C.Aspendos, Pamphylia, 333 - 250 B.C.
With the influence of the Olympics games.
Silver stater, Tekin Series 5, SNGvA 4578, SNG BnF 122, SNG Cop -, Arslan-Lightfoot -, VF, weight 8.97 gr., maximum diameter 24.8mm, die axis 0o.
Aspendos mint . Struck between 330 - 250 B.C.
Obverse ; two wrestlers, on left holds the right wrist of his opponent with his right hand and right forearm with his left hand, E between their legs, rounded edge.
Reverse ; EΣTΦE∆IY, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, O between legs, triskeles above club on right, round border of dots; very rare.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. NO. AGAP 3324
After Alexander the great took Perga peacefully, Aspendos sent envoys to offer surrender if he would not take the taxes and horses formerly paid as tribute to the Persian king. Agreeing, Alexander went on to Side, leaving a garrison behind. When he learned they had failed to ratify the agreement their own evnvoys had proposed, Alexander marched to the city. The Aspendians retreated to their acropolis and again sent envoys to sue for peace. This time, however, they had to agree to harsh terms - they would host a Macedonian garrison and pay 100 gold talents and 4.000 horses annually.
This type is a late example and likely among the last of the wrestler and slinger staters. Struck during economic crisis, perhaps resulting from the harsh terms set by Alexander after their treachery, the flans are underweight, crudely cast and appear to be of debased silver. The wrestlers and slinger are carelessly depicted. It is not as attractive as earlier examples but it is certainly much scarcer.
Sam
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Aspendos, Pamphylia, 370 - 333 B.C.With the influence of the Olympics games.
Obverse : two wrestlers, the left one holds the wrist of his opponent with his right and right forearm with his left hand, KI between their legs.
Reverse : EΣTΦE∆IIYΣ on left, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, triskeles on right with feet clockwise,
Extremely fine Silver Stater . Weight: 10.62 g. Max Diameter: 23 mm. Mint : Aspendos (in our days , Antalya province of Turkey)
SNG France 104. Struck from fresh , artistic and well executed dies.
Historical and Numismatic Note:
Pamphylia (/pæmˈfɪliÉ™/) was the region in the south of Asia Minor, between Lycia and Cilicia, extending from the Mediterranean to Mount Taurus (modern-day Antalya province, Turkey).
Aspendos or Aspendus (Greek: Ἄσπενδος) was an ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya province of Turkey. Aspendos is about 40 km east of Antalya, Turkey about 16 km inland on the Eurymedon River. In 546 B.C. it fell to Persia. After a Persian defeat in 467, the city joined the Attic-Delos Maritime League. Persia took it again in 411 B.C., Alexander in 333 B.C., and Rome in 190 B.C. Although often subject to powerful empires, the city usually retained substantial autonomy.
The Sam Mansourati Collection. NO. AGAP 3121.
Sam
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Aspendos, Pamphylia.Circa 380/75-330/25 BC.
With the influence of the Olympics games , Silver Stater.
Obverse : Two wrestlers grappling; LΦ between, below.
Reverse : Slinger in throwing stance right; EΣTFEΔIIYΣ to left, counterclockwise triskeles of legs to right , Small eagle's head banker mark.
Mint : Aspendos (in our days , Antalya province of Turkey).
Ref ; Tekin Series 4; Arslan & Lightfoot 61–72 (same dies); Izmir 413 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 4565; SNG France 105 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 227.
Extremely fine . 10.86 Gr . Max Dia 23 mm . Struck from fresh , artistic and well executed dies.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Athena Pi Style Tetradrachm , Eye-in-profile.Obverse : Head of Athena right,
Reverse : owl standing , head facing, olive sprig and crescent left , AOE right.
17 Gr
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31 ff., SGCV I 2526, EF, light scuff on cheek, 17.184g, 25.6mm, 180o, Athens mint, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
A superb beauty ex FORVM .
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.*In honor of Christmas and Chanukah , from FORVM , new to my collection ;
A masterpiece example of group Copenhagen 31 .
My best wishes to all of you.
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG München 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, EF, fabulous owl, well centered on a tight flan, no test cuts, a little obverse die wear, contact marks, 17.168g, 25.0mm, 90o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
EX FORVM .
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Augustus / Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus.Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 9-12 AD, bronze prutah of 15.4 mm, 1.72 grams. Struck in the year 10 AD.Jerusalem mint.
Obverse: Ear of grain, KAICA POC.
Reverse: Palm tree with 2 bunches of dates and date, LM.
Reference: Hendin-1330.
“Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you won’t awaken or arouse love before its proper time.” Song of Solomon.Sam
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Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC I 340 (R2), RSC I Julius Caesar 6, BnF I 273, BMCRE I 70, SRCV I 1622, VF, scratch on cheek, pitting, 3.572g, 19.8mm, 180o, Rome mint, moneyer M. Sanquinius, 17 B.C.; obverse AVGVST DIVI F LVDOS SAE (Augustus son of the divine [Julius Caesar], [has made the] secular games), Herald standing left, wearing helmet with two feathers and long robe, winged caduceus in right hand, round shield decorated with six-pointed star on his left arm; reverse M SANQVINIVS III VIR, youthful laureate head (the deified Julius Caesar or Genius Saeculari Novi?) right, above, four-rayed comet (sidus Iulium) with tail; ex CNG auction 145 (9 Aug 2006), lot 254. Very rare.
This type was struck to commemorate the Ludi Saeculares, the Secular Games held by Augustus in 17 B.C. to mark the commencement of a new age inaugurated by the divine Julius Caesar and led by his heir Augustus. The reverse portrait is traditionally identified as the head of a youthful divine Julius Caesar, however, it actually resembles Augustus and may be Genius Saeculari Novi, the personification of the new age.
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins.
*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
Per FORVM ; an EF example of this type recently sold on 26 May 2014 for 20,000 CHF (approximately $25,575) plus fees.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Augustus, with Caius and Lucius.SPAIN, Julia Traducta. Augustus, with Caius and Lucius Caesars. 27 BC-AD 14.
Æ Dupondius (21.26g, Max Dia 30 mm).
Obverse : PERM.CAES AVG Bare head left
Reverse : Bare heads of Caius and Lucius Caesars, back to back IVL TRAD
RPC 107; SNG Copenhagen 458. G/F , nice patina.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Biblical/Judean /John Hyrcanus I, Hendin 1139Judaea Hasmonean Dynasty / John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan) , 134-104 BC, Bronze Prutah of 15 mm, 2.14 grams. Jerusalem mint.
Reference: Hendin 1139.
Obverse : Paleo-Hebrew legend within wreath translated from right to left : Yehohanan the High Priest and Head of the Council of the Jews
.
Reverse : double cornucopia adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between horns.
An excellent example for this rare type.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a great man, a dear friend and brother Rev. Robert E. Burnock , on 2/25/2020.
Sam
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BITHYNIA, Koinon of Bithynia. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Obverse : AVT KAIC TPAI AΔΡIANOC CEB Laureate head right .
Reverse : KOI-NON Octastyle temple; BEIΘYNIAC in exergue, prow of galley right. SNG von Aulock 283 var. (bare head); SNG Copenhagen 324 var. (same). Good a VF, brown patina, some roughness.
Æ (33mm, 25.11 g, 6h).
EX CNG e- 349 lot 264.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. / NO. RI 2035Sam
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BRUTTIUM , Rhegion AE unit.Bruttium ,Triantes,Rhegion. AE.
Obv; Jugate heads of Dioscuroi right.
Rev; Asclepios standing . Rare.Sam
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BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. Circa 450-445 BC. AR Drachm.AR Drachm (16.5mm, 3.64 g, 12h). Facing lion scalp; pellet to right / Iokastos seated left, holding scepter; all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 19 (D12/R16); HN Italy 2478. VF, lightly toned, rough and scratched surfaces on reverse.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 379 / Lot 38.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Byzantine , Justinian I. 527-565.AR Half Siliqua. Carthage mint , aVF , rare.Sam
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BYZANTINE / ROMANUS IV DIOGENES AD ( 1068-1071 )Obverse : Nimbate bust of Christ facing, with pallium and colobium, raising r. hand in benediction, in l. hand scroll. To the sides IC - XC.
Reverse : Nimbate bust of the Virgin, orans, wearing pallium and maphorium, to the sides MP - TV.
Follis, Ae (7,13 g. 23,26 mm)
Sear 1867. Ratto 1991
EX numismatiklanz
My favorite coin.
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Byzantine Anonymous Follis of Christ, Class A3, Basil II & Constantine VIII, c. 1023 - 11 November 1028 A.D.Bronze anonymous follis, Anonymous follis of Christ, class A3; SBCV 1818; Grierson ornaments 24a, gVF, well centered, excellent portrait detail but nose a bit flat, attractive toned bare metal, a few scratches, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, weight 9.833g, maximum diameter 27.5mm, die axis 180o, c. 1023 - 11 Nov 1028 A.D.; obverse + EMMANOVHL, facing nimbate bust of Christ, two pellets in each arm of the cross, pallium and colobium, holding gospels with both hands, to left IC, to right XC; reverse + IhSuS / XRISTuS / bASILEu / bASILE (Jesus Christ King of Kings), ornaments above and below legend;
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.
FORVM Ancient Coins.
*A spectacular artistic portrait of Christ.
*A fine masterpiece of one of the very early portraits of Christ according to Saint Veronica 's Veil, and to the Artist view of Christ from that Veil, with the limited given objects, the Artist smartly chosen the artistic dies, and that is why all Byzantine art is made with artistic faces and objects.
This type of coins, struck for big occasion like Christ birthday and crucifixion, and Imperial inauguration to remind the new Byzantine emperor that there is higher power than his, power of Christ word of LOVE. King of kings, written in Ancient Greek on the reverse of this memorial strike.
+ IhSuS / XRISTuS / bASILEu / bASILE (Jesus Christ King of Kings)
With + EMMANOVHL around Christ on the obverse.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a great man, a dear friend and brother Rev. Robert E. Burnock , on 2/18/2020.Sam
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Byzantine Empire / Basil II. And Constantine VIII.Anonymous AE of Christ 976 - 1025 AD , uncertain mint.
Obverse : + Emma NOVHL / IC - XC, Christ bust.
Reverse : + IhSVS / XRISTVS / BASILEV / BASILE, top & Below vegetal ornament.
Ch VF ,10.14 gr 28.5 mm
Sear 1813
Sam
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Byzantine Empire / Constans II , (AD 641-648 )AE Follis.
Emperor standing (long beard) / m.Sam
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Byzantine empire / Emperor Constans II. AD 641-668Constans II. AD 641-668. AV Solidus (19.6mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck 651/2-654. Crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger / Cross potent set upon three steps; S//CONOB. DOC 19f; MIB 23; SB 956. Choice EF, edge filed in a couple of places. Sam
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Byzantine Empire, Constans II, September 641 - 15 July 668 A.D.Gold solidus, DOC II-2 Heraclonas 1c (not in the coll., refs. T.), Hahn MIB 3a, Tolstoi 13, Sommer 12.1, SBCV 936, Wroth BMC -, Morrison BnF -; Ratto -, VF, well centered, double strike, some legend weak, light scratches and bumps, 8th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, weight 4.479g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, Sep 641 - 642/644 A.D.; obverse d N CONSTANTINYS P P AVG, crowned and cuirassed beardless bust facing, small head, wearing chlamys, crown ornamented with cross on circlet, globus cruciger in right hand; reverse VICTORIA AVGY H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue.
FORVM / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
In 641, when Heraclius died, he was succeeded by his sons Constantine III and Heracleonas. When Constantine III died after only a few months, the Byzantine people suspected that Heracleonas had poisoned him. Heracleonas was deposed, mutilated and banished. Constans II, the son of Constantine III, became emperor. This type is attributed to Heraclonas in DOC II-2 and Morrison BnF but today it is accepted as the first issue of Constantine II.
Sam
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Caracalla / Asclepius God of Medicine THRACE, Serdica. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (29mm, 14.39 g, 6h). Laureate head right / Asclepius seated left, holding patera and serpent-staff. H&J 12.18.20.13 var. (obv. legend); Varbanov 2204 var. (same). VF, green surfaces, fields smoothed. Rare.
EX CNG e-320 Lot 281
From The Sam Mansourati Collection
Sam
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Caracalla / NikopolisÆ 16, 2.57 gr.
Obverse: laureate head right.
Reverse: star with eight rays.
Moushmov 1097.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Caracalla and Julia Domna, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior.Bronze pentassarion, H-J Marcianopolis 6.19.20.2 (R5), Varbanov I 1005 (R3), AMNG I 671, BMC Thrace -, SNG Cop -, F, full legends, brown tone with brassy high points, light marks, light deposits, central depressions, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, 13.496 grams, 27.3 mm, die axis 180o, consular legate Quintilianus, 215 A.D.; obverse ANTΩNINOC AYΓOYCTOC IOΛIA ∆OMNA (MN ligate), laureate bust of Caracalla right confronting draped bust of Julia Domna left; reverse YΠ KYNTIΛIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛEITΩ,N (final letter lower left field), Asklepios standing slightly right, head left, himation around waist and over left shoulder, snake-entwined staff in right hand, E (mark of value) in left field.
When Severus died in 211, Julia became the mediator between their two quarreling sons, Caracalla and Geta, who were to rule as joint emperors. Caracalla convinced his mother to call Geta for a reconciliation meeting in her residence. It was a trick. In his mother`s house, Caracalla`s soldiers attacked and Geta died in their mother`s arms. afterward, Julia`s relationship with Caracalla was understandably difficult. Nevertheless, she accompanied him on his Parthian campaign in 217. During this trip, Caracalla was assassinated, after which Julia committed suicide. Her body was brought to Rome and she was later deified.
FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to my great brother and a superb physician Dr. Fadi Mansourati.Sam
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Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.
From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius / God of Medicine AesculapiusCaracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (20mm, 2.97 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing facing, head left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Lightly toned. EF.
From the BLS Collection. Ex CNG Inventory 981938 (July 2014).
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Cherronesos, Thrace, c. 400 - 350 B.C.Silver hemidrachm, SNG Berry 502; BMC Thrace p. 183, 8 ff. var (reverse symbols), aVF, toned, etched surfaces, obverse strike uneven, Cherronesos mint, 2.294 grams, 12.8 mm, c. 400 - 350 B.C.; obverse lion forepart right, head turned back left; reverse quadripartite incuse square, helmet and pellet in the sunk quadrants.
Cherronesos is Greek for `peninsula` and several cities used the name. The city in Thracian Chersonesos (the Gallipoli peninsula) that struck these coins is uncertain. The coins may have been struck at Cardia by the peninsula as a league, or perhaps they were struck by lost city on the peninsula named Cherronesos.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
New Owner : Miss. Arianna Parrillo.
*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.Sam
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Cherronesos, Thrace, c. 400 - 350 B.C. Silver Hemidrachm.Obverse ; lion forepart right, head turned back left.
Reverse ; Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; X and pellet in one , Λ and pellet in opposite sunken quarter.
Cherronesos mint. Circa ; 400 - 350 B.C.; 2,28 gr 17 mm. Superb Choice Extremely Fine.
SNG Cop 824-843var (Beizeichen). Very Rare.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Cherronesos, Thrace, ca. 480-350 B.C. Silver Hemidrachm.Obverse ; lion forepart right, head turned back left.
Reverse ; Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; dot under A Gamma monogram , grain ear in opposite sunken quarter.
2.38 gr , 12.5 mm. Choice Extremely Fine, Scarce.
SNG Cop 824-843var (Beizeichen)
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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CILICIA, COMMAGENE AD 38-72 IOTAPE, WIFE AND SISTER OF ANTIOCHOS IV EPIPHANES / SCORPION
Obverse: Diademed draped bust right. Banker mark on neck.
Reverse: Scorpion within wreath.
AE 25 , BMC 4
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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CILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BCSNG Copenhagen 313, Casabonne series 2, group C, 23.2mm, 10.94 grams, Struck 361 - 334 B.C.
Obverse: Baaltars seated left, holding eagle, grain ear, grapes, and scepter, Aramaic letters to right and left
Reverse: Lion attacking Bull to left, Aramaic letters above from right to left MZDI for Satrap Mazdai , Mazaios or Mazaeus ).
Incredible reverse , one of the best ever known if not the best , and incredible Aramaic art.
(Under Study)
A superb beauty from the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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City of Rome Commemorative AE18 Treveri 330-331 ADBillon reduced centenionalis, RIC VII Trier 529, LRBC I 58, SRCV IV 16487, Cohen VII 17, Hunter V -, gVF, well centered, ragged flan, a few light scratches, 2nd officina, Treveri (Trier, Germany) mint, 2.249 grams, 17.5 mm, die axis 0o, 330 - 331 A.D.; obverse VRBS ROMA, helmeted bust of Roma left wearing imperial mantle; reverse she-wolf standing left, head turned back right, suckling the infant twins Romulus and Remus, two stars above, TRS⚫ in exergue.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
On 11 May 330, Constantine I refounded Byzantium, renamed it Constantinopolis after himself, and moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to his new city. The new capital was Christian, old gods and traditions were either replaced or assimilated into a framework of Christian symbolism. Constantine built the new Church of the Holy Apostles on the site of a temple to Aphrodite. Generations later there was the story that a divine vision led Constantine to this spot. The capital would often be compared to the `old` Rome as Nova Roma Constantinopolitana, the "New Rome of Constantinople." Special commemorative coins were issued with types for both Rome and Constantinople to advertise the importance of the new capital.Sam
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City of Rome Commemorative. 330 - 333 A.D.Billon reduced centenionalis (2.58 Gr)
VRBS ROMA, helmeted bust of Roma left wearing imperial mantle /She-wolf standing left, head turned back right, suckling the infant twins Romulus and Remus ,two stars above. SMTSE (Epsilon) in exergue.
Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint /330 - 333 A.D.
Ch VF.Sam
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Claudius II 268- 270 / Antoninianus Antoninianus, Claudius II right / Virtus walking right, Trophy on left shoulder, spear in right hand.
Nice portrait.
**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.
Sam
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Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.Silvered antoninianus, MER-RIC 60, RIC V 157, Normanby 1031, Venera 9303 - 9364, Cunetio 2263, Hunter IV 58, SRCV III 3215, Cohen VI 202, Choice gVF, some silvering, 4.608g, 22.0mm, 315o, 3rd officina, Mediolanum (Milan, Italy) mint, issue 2, mid 269 - spring 270; obverse IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse PAX AVG, Pax walking left, extending olive-branch in right hand, long transverse scepter in left, T in exergue.
Ex FORVM Ancient Coins
In 268, Gallienus was murdered by his senior officers while besieging the would-be usurper Aureolus in Mediolanum (Milan). The Senate charged Marcus Aurelius Claudius with Gallienus' murder but it was never proven. The accused became the new emperor, Claudius II.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt.Billon tetradrachm, Dattari 5392; Geissen 3038; BMC Alexandria p. 303, 2327; Milne 4240; Curtis 1701; SNG Cop 847; Kampmann-Ganschow 104.25; Emmett 3883, VF, well centered on a tight flan, attractive style, dark patina with coppery high points, 10.116g, 20.3mm, 0o, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 269 - 28 Aug 270 A.D.; obverse AVT K KLAVDIOC CEB, laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse bust of Hermanubis right, wearing modius with lotus-petal in front, himation over shoulder, date LB (year 2) in left field, winged caduceus over palm in right.
Anubis, represented as a jackal or as a man with the head of a jackal, was the Egyptian god of the dead. He presided over the embalming of the dead and conducted souls into the underworld. The Greeks and Romans often scorned Egypt's animal-headed gods as bizarre and primitive (they mockingly called Anubis the Barker) but they also identified Anubis with Hermes, morphing them into Hermanubis.
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
**My comment; A Superb reverse . This is what I like to call, a forbidden to touch reverse for married gentelmen.
Sam
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Coinage of Odessos AEObv., ; Laureate head of Apollo right.
Rev., : River god reclining half-left, right hand over prow, left hand resting on urn and holding cornucopiae.
Moushmov 1529.Sam
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Constantine , the third known Constantine I, AE Follis. 313 AD. Trier. IMP CONSTANTI-NVS AVG, cuirassed bust left, wearing high-crested helmet, spear over right shoulder / VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, 2 Victories standing facing each other holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar with square design of 3-D appearance (Helv. 8a), PTR in ex. RIC VII Trier 208A, Unlisted officina. 18mm and 3 grams.
From the Sam Mansourati collection.Sam
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Constantine the Great, Early 307 - 22 May 337 A.D. , Manus Dei, the hand of God.Billon reduced centenionalis, RIC VIII Antioch 39; LRBC I 1374; SRCV V 17488; Voetter 34; Cohen VII 760; Hunter V p. 283, 4 ff. var. (officina), EF, glossy black patina, red earthen deposits, 1.821g, 15.0mm, 330o, 10th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, posthumous, Sep 337 - 347 A.D.; obverse DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG, veiled bust right; reverse Constantine in quadriga right, veiled, the hand of God reaches down to take him to heaven; star above, SMANI in exergue.
FORVM Ancient Coins. /The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Soon after the Feast of Easter 337, Constantine fell seriously ill. He left Constantinople for the hot baths near his mother's city of Helenopolis. There, in a church his mother built in honor of Lucian the Apostle, he prayed, and there he realized that he was dying. He attempted to return to Constantinople, making it only as far as a suburb of Nicomedia. He summoned the bishops, and told them of his hope to be baptized in the River Jordan, where Christ was written to have been baptized. He requested the baptism right away, promising to live a more Christian life should he live through his illness. The bishops, Eusebius records, "performed the sacred ceremonies according to custom." It has been thought that Constantine put off baptism as long as he did so as to be absolved from as much of his sin as possible. Constantine died soon after at a suburban villa called Achyron, on 22 May 337.
Sam
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Constantine VIII (AD 1025-1028). AV Histamenon Nomisma Obverse : + IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚhANTIhm, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger with annulets in upper quadrants, pallium and colobium, right hand raised in benediction, Gospels cradled in left arm; triple border.
Reverse : +CwNStANtIh bASILЄЧS ROm, bust of Constantine VIII facing, wearing crown with pendilia and square-pattern loros with jeweled collar, labarum in right hand, akakia in left; triple border.
Constantinople mint. 26mm, 4.36 gm, 6h. Ref: Sear 1815.
A fine masterpiece of one of the very early portraits of Christ according to Saint Veronica 's Veil.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Constantine VIII , Anonymous AE Follis Class AIII , Bust of Christ facing.AE Anonymous Follis, Class AIII
Constantinople, 1025 - 1028 A.D.,
10.06 Grams, 31 millimeters
Obverse: "EMMA - NOVHA"
Bust of Christ facing, wearingb nimbus crown, with crescent in each limb of cross, pallium and colobrium, and holding holding book of Gospels, with cover ornamented with five pellets. "IC - XC" to sides
Reverse : "+IHSUS . KRISTUS / BASILEU / BASILE"
In four lines, ornaments above and below.Sam
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Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D.Billon heavy maiorina, RIC VIII Antioch 132, LRBC II 2625, SRCV V 18171, Hunter V 127 var. (10th officina), Choice gVF, dark patina, lighter highlighting deposits, slight double strike, part of edge ragged, 12th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 6.098g, maximum diameter 26.3mm, die axis 180o, 350 - 355 A.D.; obverse D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse FEL TEMP REPARATIO (happy times restored), soldier standing left, shield on left arm, spear in right hand, spearing bearded fallen horseman who is turned to face the shoulder and extends his left arm, shield on ground right, Γ (control symbol) upper left, ANBI in exergue; from the Errett Bishop Collection.
Superb exceptional Reverse.
FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
In 354, Constantius II recalled his legate (and cousin) Constantius Gallus to Constantinople after receiving unfavorable reports about him. Caesar of the East, Gallus had successfully suppressed revolts in Palestine and central Anatolia. Constantius stripped him of his rank and later had him executed in Pola (in modern Croatia).Sam
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Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D. Battle Scene.OBVERSE : Diademed, draped & cuirassed bust of Constantius II D.N.CONSTANTIVS P.F.AVG
REVERSE : Soldier advancing left, spearing fallen horseman FEL.TEMP.REPARATIO
22.9 MM AND 5.45 GR . Sear 4003.Sam
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CORINTHIA, Corinth. Gaius Caligula.CORINTHIA, Corinth. Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ As (7.65 g).
Caligula Bare head right / Pegasus flying right. VG, olive green patina. Rare.Sam
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Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 May 305 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt.Billon tetradrachm, BMC Alexandria p. 324, 2511; Milne 4898; Curtis 1995; Emmett 4052, VF, Alexandria mint, 8.087 grams, 20.3 mm, die axis 0o, 29 Aug 288 - 28 Aug 289 A.D.; obverse and#913; and#922; and#915; and#927;and#933;and#913; and#8710;and#921;and#927;and#922;and#923;and#919;and#932;and#921;and#913;and#925;and#927;C Cand#917;and#914;, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse Eusebia (Pietas) standing left, wearing peplos, sacrificing over altar with right, box in left, L - E (year 5) flanking across field.
Eusebeia was the Greek personification of piety; the Roman equivalent was Pietas.
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins.
*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.Sam
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Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 May 305 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt.Billon tetradrachm, Geissen 3243; Dattari 5624; Milne 4915; Curtis 1956; SNG Cop 994; BMC Alexandria p. 326, 2530; Kampmann -, VF, crowded flan cuts off right side of obverse legend, Alexandria mint, 7.290 grams, 19.1 mm, die axis 0o, 29 Aug 288 - 28 Aug 289 A.D.; obverse and#913; and#922; and#915; and#927;and#933;and#913;and#923; and#8710;and#921;and#927;and#922;and#923;and#919;and#932;and#921;and#913;and#925;and#927;C Cand#917;and#914;, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse Alexandria standing left, turreted, head of Serapis in right, long scepter vertical in left, L - E (year 5) flanking across field, star right.
Ptolemy Soter integrated Egyptian religion with that of the Hellenic rulers by creating Serapis, a deity that would win the reverence of both groups. This was despite the curses of the Egyptian priests against the gods of previous foreign rulers (i.e Set who was lauded by the Hyksos). Alexander the Great had attempted to use Amun for this purpose, but Amum was more prominent in Upper Egypt, and not as popular in Lower Egypt, where the Greeks had stronger influence. The Greeks had little respect for animal-headed figures, and so an anthropomorphic statue was chosen as the idol, and proclaimed as the equivalent of the highly popular Apis. It was named Aser-hapi (i.e. Osiris-Apis), which became Serapis, and was said to be Osiris in full, rather than just his Ka (life force). Ptolemy`s efforts were successful - in time Serapis was held by the Egyptians in the highest reverence above all other deities, and he was adored in Athens and other Greek cities.
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins.
*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.Sam
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Diocletian, 284-305 AD. AR Argenteus, ThessalonicaObverse: DIOCLETI-ANVS AVG - Laureate bust of Diocletian Facing Right
Reverse: VIRTVS MILITVM - 3 Turreted Campgate With No Doors , .T.S.B. in ex.
Thessalonica mint, struck c. 302 AD.
Attribution: R.I.C. VI Thessalonica 15a , Rare.
Weight: 2.96 Gr , Max Diameter: 20 mm
Die Axis: 11 H , Ch gVF.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection./ NO. RI 3001
Sam
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Diva Faustina Senior SestertiusDiva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. Æ Sestertius (34 mm, 24,20 g). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 141-146. Draped bust right / Faustina, holding scepter, seated on eagle flying upward to the right. RIC III 1133 (Pius) ; C. 182; BMC 1425; Banti 58. gF. Rare, with Faustina on eagle.
EX Andrea Reich Collection.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Diva Faustina Senior.AR Denarius . Rome mint.
Draped bust right / Vesta standing. Ch VF .Sam
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Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II, part 1, 773; BMCRE II 226; BnF III 203; RSC II 286; Hunter I -; cf. SRCV I 2736 (TR P XII), VF, well centered, toned, reverse center a little weak, Rome mint, weight 3.310g, maximum diameter 19.2mm, die axis 180o, 1 Jan - 13 Sep 95 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, laureate head right; reverse IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, helmeted and draped, inverted spear vertical before her in her right hand, her left hand on hip.
In 95 A.D., Domitian had several senators and ex-consuls executed out of paranoid fears that they were plotting to kill him. Manius Acilius Glabrio belonged to one of the noblest families of Rome and had been consul in 91 (conjointly with Trajan, who would later become emperor). Domitian ordered him to descend into the Colosseum arena to fight a huge lion. Glabrio slew the animal, exciting the crowd, but Domitian still banished him and later put him to death on some false pretext. After his death, his body was brought to Rome, and buried on the Via Salaria, in the catacomb of Priscilla. Xiphilinus, speaking of the executions of 95 A.D., says that some members of the imperial family and other persons of importance were condemned for atheism; they had embraced the Christian faith.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a very dear friend and a Bible Teacher Mr. John DelRicci . (10/13/2017)Sam
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Dyrrhachium, Illyria, AR drachm. After 229 BC.Obverse : EUNOUS, cow standing right, head left, suckling calf, head of Isis right above.
Reverse :DUR FANISKOU around double stellate pattern. Struck after 229 B.C. 19mm.
Ref: Ceka 177.
Same coin is listed at Wildwinds.
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Egypt , Ptolemaic Kingdom: Ptolemy III / AE Obol.AE Obol. Alexandria Mint , between 246-222 BC. 11 Gr.
Obverse: Deified head of Alexander the Great right, wearing elephant skin.
Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, cornucopia over shoulder; E between legs.
References: Svoronos 976; SNG Copenhagen 232. Super Rare.
Sam
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. (Æ 20) Obol.EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Obol (max 21.5 mm, 3.8 gr ).
Obverse : Laureate head right.
Reverse : Canopic jar (Canopus of Osiris) with crowned ram head , L B (date) before.
Dated year 2 (AD 68/9)
Ref: BMC 16. 24, 204 RPC I 5352. aVF, Chocolate patina. Very rare.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D. Denarius / Salus (goddess of health)Silver Denarius, RIC IV 139b, RSC III 261, BMCRE V 117, Hunter III -, SRCV II -, Choice EF, excellent centering, nice portrait, light toning, radiating flow lines, finely detailed reverse, tiny closed edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 2.901g, maximum diameter 19.6mm, die axis 180o, 219 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right, from behind; reverse SALVS ANTONINI AVG, Salus (goddess of health) standing slightly right, head right holding snake in arms, feeding it from right hand; from the Jyrki Muona Collection
*Incredible Reverse , this interesting reverse type refers to Elagabalus' health.
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to my great brother and a superb physician Dr. Fadi Mansourati.Sam
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Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D. Silver denariusPossibly unique! The combination of this reverse legend with a recumbent bull behind the altar is apparently unpublished and this is the only example known to Forum. The bull is present on a similar type with the reverse legend INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG.
Silver denarius, RSC III 213c var. (no bull); BMCRE V 269 var. (same); Hunter III 68 var. (same); RIC IV 52 (S) var. (same, also no horn); SRCV II 7538 var. (same), NGC XF, strike 5/5, surface 3/5 (2412840-011), Rome mint, weight 3.07g, maximum diameter 18.4mm, die axis 0o, Jan 222 A.D.; obverse IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, horned, laureate, draped and bearded bust right, from the front; reverse P M TR P V COS IIII P P, Elagabalus standing slightly left, wearing Syrian priestly dress, sacrificing from patera in right hand over flaming altar at feet on left, club (or branch) cradled in left hand and arm, star in upper left field, recumbent bull behind altar; NGC certified (slabbed); extremely rare.
Coins with a horned portrait and the title TR P V were struck in January 222 A.D. After some days or weeks the horn was removed from Elagabalus' portrait. Elagabalus had shocked the public with bizarre behavior including cross dressing and marrying a vestal virgin. Removing the unusual horn from his portrait was probably part of a last ditch effort to show that he had changed, dropping his peculiar Syrian ways. The effort failed. On 11 March 222, Elagabalus and his mother were murdered, dragged through the streets of Rome and dumped into the Tiber.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Emperor Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC IV 115, RSC IV 243, Hunter III 33, SRCV III 8680, Choice aMS, about as struck, light rose tone on luster, full circles centering, nice portrait, sharp reverse detail, radiating flow lines, Rome mint, weight 2.861g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, 241 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P III COS II P P (high priest, holder of Tribunitian power for 3 years, consul 2 times, father of the country), Gordian standing right, wearing military garb, transverse spear in right hand, globe in left; from the Jyrki Muona Collection (purchased from Alan Walker at NYINC early 2000's.
Gordian looks rather smug on the obverse and stands proud with the world in his hands on the reverse.
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*Superb Sam
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Emperor Gordian III, Hadrianopolis, Thrace.Emperor Gordian III, Hadrianopolis, Thrace. AD 238-244AD,
AE ( 26 MM, 13.8 Gr )
Gordian III right / Asclepius God of Medicine.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Emperor PHILIP I , Commemorating the 1000th Anniversary of Rome.PHILIP I , The Syrian (244–249). Silver Antoninianus. Rome.
Obverse : IMP PHILIPPVS AVG.
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse : SAECVLARES AVGG / I. Lion walking right.
Rome mint , year AD 248
4.28 g. Max Diameter 23 mm. ChVF . RIC 12.
EX Pecunem 33 Lot 566
Philip I was the first Roman emperor believed in Christianity.
While Roman emperor Constantine the Great or the first was the first Roman emperor
believed in Christianity and announced it as the religion of the Roman empire.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Emperor Philip I the Syrian, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D.Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 75A (R); RSC IV 130, SRCV III 8945, Hunter III -, EF, superb strike with sharp dies, nice metal, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 4.966g, maximum diameter 22.4mm, die axis 0o, 247 - 248 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS P P (high priest, holder of Tribunitian power for four years, consul, father of the country), Felicitas standing left, long caduceus in right hand, cornucopia in left hand; from the Jyrki Muona Collection, ex dear friend Barry Murphy.
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*Incredible art
Felicitas was the goddess or personification of happiness, good fortune, and success. She played an important role in Rome's state religion during the empire and was frequently portrayed on coins. She became a prominent symbol of the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire.Sam
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Emperor Septimius Severus / Salus , AR Silver Denarius, Rome Mint.Obverse: Laureate head
Reverse: Salus goddess of health seated , feeding serpent in her lap.
Reference: RIC 245; RSC 565.
19 mm , 3.0 gr , AD 211.
Choice EF.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to my great brother and a superb physician Dr. Fadi Mansourati.Sam
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Emperor Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.This coin was struck in the last months of Alexander's reign, and is the sole dated type among those of his last issue.
Rare last issue of reign.
Silver denarius, RSC 453a, BMCRE VI 962, SRCV II 7917, RIC IV 125 var. (no cuirass), Hunter III -, Choice EF, excellent portrait, excellent centering and strike, slightly irregular flan, tiny edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 3.48g, maximum diameter 19.9mm, die axis 180o, Jan - Mar 235 A.D., (18th emission); obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from the front; reverse P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Sol advancing left, radiate, nude but for chlamys over shoulders, left arm and flying behind, raising right hand commanding the sun to rise.
EX FORVM ; *With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
By the time Alexander and his mother arrived to face his German enemies, the situation had settled, and so his mother convinced him that to bribe the Germans and avoid violence was the more sensible course. Though they were not yet expected to personally fight in battle during Alexander's time, emperors were increasingly expected to display general competence in military affairs. Alexander's taking of his mother's advice, his dishonorable method of dealing with the Germanic threat, and the relative failure of his earlier military campaign against the Persians were all deemed highly unacceptable by the soldiers. Alexander was assassinated on 19 March 235, together with his mother, in a mutiny of the Legio XXII Primigenia at Moguntiacum (Mainz) while at a meeting with his generals. The assassinations secured the throne for Maximinus.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
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Emperor Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver Denarius.
laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from the front / Sol advancing left, radiate, nude but for chlamys over shoulders, left arm and flying behind, raising right hand commanding the sun to rise.
2.77 gr.
NGC ( MS )
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Eukratides IBAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, about 16.78 g, 12h). Attic standard. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback rearing right, each holding palm frond and spear; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 6E; SNG ANS 465. Ch VF, porous in areas. CNG auction
From The Sam Mansourati collection./ EX CNG
Photo and Description , courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.Sam
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Faustina Junior, Augusta 146 - Winter 175/176 A.D., Wife of emperor Marcus AureliusSilver Denarius, BMCRE II p. 404, 148; RSC II 195; SRCV II 5262; RIC III MA689 var. (no stephane); Hunter II 8 var. (same), Choice Very Fine , excellent centering, unusual artistic portrait for empress Faustina,toned, Rome mint, weight 2.655g, maximum diameter 17.8mm, die axis 0o, struck under Marcus Aurelius, 161 - 175 A.D.; obverse FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, wearing stephane and earring, bun in the back; reverse SALVS, Salus seated left, feeding snake rising up from altar, from patera in right hand, resting left elbow on throne, feet on footstool.
Rare with this grade.
Salus was the Roman goddess of health. She was Hygieia to the Greeks, who believed her to be the daughter of Aesculapius, the god of medicine and healing, and Epione, the goddess of soothing of pain. Her father Asclepius learned the secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one serpent bringing another healing herbs. Woman seeking fertility, the sick, and the injured slept in his temples in chambers where non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor and provide healing.
*The logo of Pharmacology was taken from Salus 's Patera and snake .
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. / Item number RI 75220 (F)/ 20469 (S).
Given as a souvenir to a dear friend and a great Pharmacist on 9/8/2017.
Sam
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