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Cr 20/1 Anonymous AR Didrachmc. 269-266 b.c.e. Rome(?) or Neapolis mint (?)
o: Head of Hercules right, hair bound with ribbon with club and lion's skin over shoulder
r: She-wolf right, suckling twins; in exergue, ROMANO
6.89 gm 21.00 mm
This issue was likely the first to be minted in the city of Rome itself, rather than the prior didrachm issues from Naples or another Greek-oriented southern city, despite the Greek-styled "ROMANO" ethnic, soon permanently replaced with "ROMA".
Although a bit worn, this specimen retains all the design elements quite nicely. On ultra-well-preserved specimens, the wolf's dorsal hair is a bit more distinct, and it would have been nicer if the final "O" had stayed on the flan.PMah
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Cr 428/1 AR Denarius Q. Cassius Longinus Rome 55 b.c.e.
o: Veiled head of Vesta right; Q•CASSIVS downwards to left, VEST upwards to right
r: Curule chair within circular temple of Vesta; urn to left, vota tablet inscribed AC to right
Cassia 9; 4.02 gm, 19 mm, 9h
The issue commemorates the trial, or rather, retrial, in 113 b.c.e., presided over by L. Cassius Longinus Ravilla of three Vestal Virgins. "Condemno" as to two of them, even though they had all been acquitted once already. Ravilla is, as a side note to a side note, essentially the lawyer who first said "Follow the money". Censor in 125 b.c.e.
Quintus was the brother or cousin of the conspirator against Caesar, although Quintus had been a Caesarian appointee. He was so awful as governor of Further Spain that a revolt of both native and Roman troops broke out. He likely perished fleeing the revolt.
His issues as moneyer, however, were fairly successful designs. This specimen is quite nice, retaining the "AC" on the tablet quite well, with the voting urn remaining quite clear.
PMah
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Cr 16/1a Æ "double Litra"c 276 b.c.e.?
o: Goddess head r.
r: Lion walking r.; in ex,ROMANO
5.91 gm
This coin is significantly lighter than the weight standard. It is, of course, missing a piece at 4:00 and a bit more around the circumference. PMah
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Cr 41/11 Anonymous Æ Semunciac. 212-215
Head of Mercury r. Rev. ROMA Prow r.
18.5mm, 4.76 gm
Part of the vast Crawford 41 Anonymous group, I think this falls into McCabe group A1. The photo is a bit light for close reading, my apologies.
I like this coin for the fine centering. PMah
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Cr 236/1a AR Denarius M. Baebius Q.f. TampilusRome c. 137 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma l., wearing necklace of pendants; below chin, X. Behind, TAMPIL
r: Apollo in prancing quadriga r., holding bow and arrow with reins in l. hand and branch in r.; below, ROMA. In exergue, M·BAEBI·Q·F.
18.5 mm, 3.77 gmPMah
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Cr 353/1a AR Denarius Mn. Fonteius C.f. Rome, 85 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Apollo Veiovis r.; below, thunderbolt; behind, MN FONTEI C F; before, monogram of ROMA
r: Winged figure on goat r.; above, pilei of the Dioscuri; in exergue, thyrsus; laurel wreath as border
19.5 mm., 3.73 gm.PMah
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Cr 17/1i Æ Litra c 260 b.c.e.???
o: Head of Minerva in Corinthian helmet, right
r: Horse head left
6.76 gm
It is a bit difficult to determine if this coin is the "1i" variant, which should be anepigraphic on obverse. The centering suggests it is, and is thus among the scarcer of this series. This "litra" or unit is part of a massive issue of not entirely clear dating. Crawford dates this to "shortly before 269 b.c.e.".
PMah
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Cr 57/3 Æ As [Crescent]207 b.c.e.
o: Janus head, I above
r: Prow right; Crescent above; I above
39.64 gm
This coin is a bit light, mostly from the evident wear, but I do like the gigantic crescent on reverse, large enough to displace the value mark. In the few "signed" issues that immediately pre- and post- date this one, the mark is more effectively placed before the prow. PMah
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Cr 60/4 Æ Triens [Caduceus]211-208 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva, right
r: Prow, right, Caduceus above, ROMA below
6.62 gm
Apparently, despite the relative scarcity of this type, I have two specimens.PMah
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Cr 60/4 Æ Triens [Caduceus]211-208 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva, right
r: Prow, right, Caduceus above, ROMA below
6.62 gm
A somewhat scarce type among the anonymous bronze of this period. If the reverse was slightly more centered, this would be a quite nice specimen.PMah
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Cr 39/2 Æ Quadrans Collateral Semi-Libral Seriesc. 217-215 b.c.e.
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing boar-skin; three pellets behind
r: Bull charging right; three pellets above, snake below, ROMA in ex.
37.81 gm
purportedly ex PNC collection. ex Vecchi Auction 3, lot 56 (1996) (not verified by me)
AKA, the "Anomalous Anonymous Series", which I particularly like. All the types are scarce, and the quadrans seems a bit scarcer than the lower denominations.PMah
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Cr 42/3 Æ Sextans ["corn ear"]214-212 b.c.e. Sicily mint
o: Head of Mercury, r, in petasos, •• above
r: Prow right, ROMA above, wheat ear ["corn ear"] atop, •• below
16.00 gm
ex PNC and Hoffman collections
As viewed by Crawford, the series leaps from the Dioscuri/Jupiter didrachm to the quadrans.
This sextans, rather heavy considering the wear, is fairly scarce. PMah
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Cr 39/3 Anonymous (Semilibral) Æ Sextans217-215 b.c.e. Rome
o: She-wolf sucking twins; two pellets (value = 2/12ths) in exergue
r: Eagle standing right, holding flower in beak; two pellets behind, ROMA before
23.94 gm, 29 mm, 3h
Sydenham 95
The mysterious "Anomalous Anonymous" series, which is unlike any other segment of the Republican bronze coins. (I believe I have posted all but the "difficult" Triens of the series.) The sextans is particularly notable, with the enigmatic eagle with a flower (not the usual behavior of Roman eagles) and the iconic Wolf and Twins, who are seen far less often on the early coinage than one might expect (the spectacular didrachm reverse being the other large scale representation -- Cr. 20/1).
I posted this specimen for the clarity of the visible ribs and lean body of this hungry wolf, who nonetheless skips lunch/knows who the Dad is/senses kindred spirits of the foundational twins. (I have another specimen with a fine eagle; together, they would make a great coin...)
PMah
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Cr 113/1 AR Denarius [Star]Rome, 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Head of Roma right, X behind head
r: Dioscuri riding right, star below; ROMA in linear frame.
4.0 gm
Similar to my Cr. 122/2 denarius, this issue is part of a group with stylistic similarities and associated bronze denominations, in this case As through Sextans.
This specimen is better than the photo; there is a small amount of corrosion along the obverse crack, which is not plating. The earring and hair of Roma are quite sharp; the bodies of the Dioscuri on reverse are distinct. I have always found the "cloak versus armor" question as to their main attire difficult to determine.PMah
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Cr 122/2 AR Denarius Anonymous [Dog]Rome c. 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; X behind head
r: The Dioscuri riding right, star above each head; hound running right below; ROMA in linear frame
3.81 gm
This issue is part of a range of anonymous coinage near the start of the 2nd century b.c.e. The "Dog" issue includes a full range of coinage from silver Victoriatus and Denarius through bronze Sextans.
This weak specimen has the dog almost escaping through the reverse border.PMah
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Cr 340/1 AR Denarius L. Calpurnius Piso FrugiRome, 90 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Apollo right, CXII behind
r: L PISO FRVGI / ROMA below horseman galloping right w/palm, CXXXVIII above
3.98 gms
This nice but not great specimen considerably raises the digits of the one-die-per-control number for this issue in my galleryPMah
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Cr 346/1a AR Denarius C. Marcius CensorinusRome 88 b.c.e.
o: Jugate heads of Numa Pompilius, beard & diadem, & Ancus Marcius, rt; R [control mk] below
r: C. CENSO in ex., Desultor on one of two horses galloping rt, conical cap, whip rt hnd; III [control mk] below
3.82 gm
A very ambitious issue, keying on the purported descent of the moneyer's gens from two kings of Roma. This did him no good in the struggle against Sulla, where he chose the wrong side. PMah
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Cr 276/1 AR Denarius M. Papirius CarboRome 122 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma right, laurel branch behind, X below chin
r: Jupiter driving quadriga right holding thunderbolt & eagle tipped sceptre, M CARBO below horses, ROMA in ex.
3.92 gm
A very large issue.PMah
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Cr 202/1a AR Denarius C. Juventius ThalnaRome, 154 b.c.e.
o: Head of Roma to right, wearing winged helmet; behind, X.
r: Victory in prancing biga to right, holding whip in her left hand and reins with her right; below, C•TAL (ligate); in exergue, ROMA.
19 mm; 3.98 gm
Syd. 379; Juventia 7
Likely C. Juventius P. fil. Thalna. The unusual cognomen hints at Etruscan origin of the family. Although not a well-recalled gens today, the family survived, with no additional issues of coinage, into the late Republic.
Sydenham notes that the very rare serrated denarii of this moneyer are clearly struck on pre-serrated flans, a proposition I have not examined further.
PMah
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Cr 14/4 Æ cast Quadrans Dioscuri/Mercury seriesc. 280 b.c.e.
o: Open right hand, three pellets on left
r: Three pellets between two barley-grains, one inverted
52.94 gm
A massively heavy quadrans. This group of bronze are likely the first bronze coins actually produced by the Rome mint.
The obverse is rather soft but the reverse is ok for this issue.
This coin has a bit of a pedigree but I am still sorting it out to my satisfaction. PMah
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Cr 383/1 AR Denarius Ti. Claudius Ti. f. Ap. n. Nero 79 BCE
o: Draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver on shoulder; before chin, SC
r: Victory in prancing biga right, palm-branch and reins in left hand and wreath in right; below horses, LXI. In exergue, TI. CLAVD. TI. F/AP. N.
Cr. 383/1 (g. 4.20 mm. 18.50) -- relatively heavy for typePMah
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Cr 64/6b? Æ Sextans P. Manlius Vulso210 b.c.e. Sardinia
o: Mercury hd right, 2 pellets above
r: Prow rt, ROMA above, 2 pellets below, Σ (=MA ligate) before
There are some variations on the signature, only on the sextans, of which this worn example seems to me to be the vertical ligate of MAnlius.PMah
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Cr 65/6 Æ Sextans AVR210 b.c.e. Sardinia
o: Mercury hd right, two pellets above
r: Prow of galley right, ROMA above, two pellets below, AVR (ligate) before
3.35 gm
From the group of consecutive issues by the praetors for Sicily. usually overstruck on a local issue; this one hard to see the undertype, which distorts the back of the head and the prow.
scarce
PMah
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Cr 69/4b Æ Triens [corn ear]c. 211-208 b.c.e. Sicily mint
o: Minerva head right, four pellets above
r: Prow right, Corn-ear above, ROMA below, IC (=K) before
10.67 gm
A complicated issue with several variants on the form of the "K", and rather scarce.
Despite the substantial wear, I noticed this one because the eye on the prow retained some definition, without, I think, any tooling.PMah
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Cr 80/4 Æ Quadrans [Dolphin]c. 209-208 b.c.e. Sicily mint?
o: Hercules hd right, three pellets behind
r: Prow right, ROMA above, Dolphin before, three pellets below
10.15 gm
The dolphin series is tentatively given to Sicily by Crawford. The quadrans is rare, and so this non-beautiful specimen is the one for my collection.PMah
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Cr 333/1 AR Quinarius C. Egnatuleius C.f. 97 BCE
o: Laureate head of Apollo right; below, Q; behind, C. EGNATVLEI. C. F.
r: Victory left inscribing shield attached to trophy; beside trophy, carnix; between Victory and trophy, Q; in exergue, ROMA.
Cr. 333/1
(g. 1.90 mm. 16.00 )PMah
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Cr 38/5 Æ (struck) Sextans217 -215 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; two pellets (value = 2/12ths) above
r: Prow of gallery right; two pellets (value) below.
[metrics to be posted, sorry!]
This series consists of a mix of cast pieces (As to Quadrans), and then the sextans (sixth-piece) and smaller fractions are struck. In this, the first group of struck coins cleanly integrated into a single system, the sextans is easily distinguished from its later iterations by the broad flan and larger portrait of Mercury, particularly the hat.
The cast pieces will soon cease to be issued and the "anonymous struck bronzes" will be the coins-in-hand for some time to come (see A. McCabe, The Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage of the Roman Republic: A Provisional Arrangement, in Essays... Russo (2013) for comprehensive analysis and categorization; I believe an update is forthcoming, too.)
Although rather worn, as is expected, the strike on this specimen is rather even, although not deep, compared to more commonly seen specimens with uneven weak strikes.PMah
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Cr 56/4 cf. Æ Triens post-211 b.c.e. Sardinia?
o: Helmeted head of Minerva r.; above, four pellets
r: ROMA Prow r.; below, four pellets
20.8 mm, 4.20 gm
An interesting coin. Attributed by dealer as McCabe group H1, which are low-weight overstrikes on Punic/Sicilian coins. The obverse shows some sign of overstriking above the head, in the jumbled pellets, and through the ear and neck; the reverse seems very cleanly struck, to me.PMah
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Cr 80 cf. [unofficial?] Æ Semis [dolphin]post-135 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Saturn r.; behind, S
r: Prow r, above S, before dolphin, below ROMA
22 mm, 5.23 gm
A dolphin semis in a series that does not have a semis, per Crawford? The semis is found in Cr 160, but those dolphins swim above the prow. The prow was apparently described to the engraver with considerable vagueness, and the rostrum is similarly impressionistic.
Thus the "unofficial" attribution, not entirely satisfying to me with respect to either series based on the low weight.
PMah
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Cr 474/1a L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius Rome 45 b.c.e.
o: ACIS[CVLVS] Head of Apollo r., hair tied with band; behind, acisculus (= pickaxe)
r: Europa seated on bull walking r.; in exergue, [L]·VALER[IVS]
This specimen is a variant, as the dies usually have a star above Apollo's forehead. This one clearly does not, as there is ample room in the field up to the border.
Valeria 17 var.; Syd. 998 var.; CRI 90 var.; RBW 1568 (this coin)PMah
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Cr 26/3 Æ Litra [Apollo Horse series]234 -231 b.c.e Rome
o: Apollo laureate hd rt
r: Horse, prancing, left; ROMA below belly
2.33 gm
The bronze fractions of this issue are termed "litra" and tied to the distinct didrachm and drachm (mine to be posted). This specimen is a bit light off the weight standard (Crawford gives 3.375 gm) even accounting for the wear.PMah
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Cr 124/5 Æ Triens "Meta" seriesRome, ca. 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva r., ···· above
r: Prow r. ; Meta (turning post) above, ···· to r.
11.09 gm; 24.5 mm
A relatively rare coin from one of the earlier struck bronze series with symbols and no specific reference to the moneyer.
PMah
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Cr 213/1 Æ As "Mast & Sail"Rome, c. 155-149 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus, I above
r: Prow of galley r.; mast with sail or military standard above; [I before], ROMA below
20.85 gm; 29.5 mm
A relatively scarce issue. There is some disagreement whether the symbol is a "mast and sail" per Crawford or a military standard/flag per Buttrey and others.
I tend to see it as a military standard, as it is clearly a symbol rather than an attempt to show a feature of the ship. It is ridiculously out of proportion as a feature and why would a symbol be used in such a way as to suggest it was a badly-crafted feature? Other specimens more clearly show a bit of "waving" motion at the bottom of the banner, which, if a sail, would suggest it was luffing, not exactly a moment the sailors would want preserved in bronze.
PMah
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Cr 25/5 Dioscuri/Mercury / sickle Æ Cast Semisc. 241-235 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of Minerva left, wearing Corinthian helmet; below, S
r: Female head left; behind, sickle; below, S.
Vecchi ICC 49
118.20 gm., 51.00 mm.
These are the cast bronze accompanying the silver didrachm with Mars/Horse/sickle. The reverse female head is not as certainly identifiable as helmeted Minerva on obverse, perhaps she is Juno, who is surprisingly unrepresented on the early Republic coinage. There are other theories, of course.
As with all the earliest cast bronze coins, the number of surviving specimens seems relatively low compared to the relatively long period of issue, c. 280-226 b.c.e.; of course, the same is true with the silver coins prior to the quadrigatus. As I do not have the As, I note that the weight standard is about 272 gm for the As, thus this specimen is a bit light. The surface is a bit rough, but the elements are all sharp and in high relief.
PMah
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Cr 519/2 Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus AR Denariusc. 41 b.c.e. Greek coastal mint or possibly a Shipboard mint
o: Bearded head of Lucius (?) Ahenobarbus r., AHENOBAR before
r: CN.DOMITIVS.IMP Ship's prow r., w/ military trophy
HCRI 339 Domitia 21
3.79 gm.
A flip-flopper of exquisitely flexible principles, Gnaeus salvaged his family’s future by deserting to Octavian days before the battle of Actium, paving his posthumous way to becoming Emperor Nero’s great-grandfather. Suetonius says that Gnaeus “omnibus gentis suae procul dubio praeferendum” -- was “undoubtedly the best of his entire extended family, ever”. Considering that the entire extended family was considered remarkably depraved, Nero’s father most of all, that is faint praise indeed.
Lucky he was also to have previously commanded the "Liberators' " fleet and at sea instead of standing in the mud at Philippi, as the trophy presumably represents his irrelevant victory over Domitius Calvinus in October 42. To my eye, the trophy is not distinctly nautical standing alone and perhaps the entire design reflects a naval trophy that he erected on a friendly shore point.
His allies Brutus and Cassius having committed suicide, Gnaeus took his 72 ships and two legions a-pirating rather successfully for nearly a decade. Thinking he had made a good pile of stolen booty but that the tide was turning (indeed, he also struck an aureus), he then struck a deal with Antonius (an add-on to the Sextus Pompeius work-out) and became consul for 32. Dry land politics being more fickle than piracy, he soon had to choose between Octavian and Antonius and headed east. There, he suddenly became a Model Virtuous Roman in antagonism to Cleopatra, persuading no one, and finally rowed over to Octavian, who accepted him rather than having Agrippa treat him to a game of "walk the plank". Yet he died a few days later of “fever”, which tended to happen to temporarily incapacitated power brokers recuperating near Octavian (see my Cr. 449/2 Pansa) or Livia Drusilla (see, "I, Claudius"). His defection and various marriage connections (and I would like to think a map to his buried pirate treasure, but wrong movie ...) kept his descendants comfortably depraved for almost 100 years.
This denarius is scarce, and particularly scarce with anything other than a horrible obverse. It perhaps depicts pater Lucius, who also ran afoul of Caesar and Antonius (see my post of Cr. 448/3 L. Hostilius Saserna). This specimen shares the weak obverse strike seen on most, yet is a slight bit less worn and less marked than many. On the better-struck coins, whichever Ahenobarbus this is can be seen to sport a scraggly beard, presumably to cue the "red beard" cognomen, but the portraits on almost all dies are quite distinctively coarse. The reverse, which is the main appeal of this specimen, is much more carefully engraved, with distinct waves, "eye", oar box and trophy. The keel and "beak"/rostrum are clear, and the prow-stem is outlined and shows internal beam-structure.
PMah
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Cr 263/5a Æ Quadrans M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. MetellusRome, c. 127 b.c.e.
o: Hercules hd r., lion's skin headdress; behind, three pellets
r: Prow r., inscribed M·METELLVS; abv, Macedonian shield; bf, three pellets; below, ROMA
Although not particularly fascinating, this type has the moneyer's name inscribed across the galley side. For extra measure, young Marcus-son-of-Quintus-grandson-of-Quintus added the Macedonian shield often found with the Metelli, which, in my view, always includes an elephant at the center of the shield, even on this tiny object, and more readily visible on the denarius and semis in this series.
19.8 mm., 4.10 gm I think there is some sign of overstriking; it is not a common coin.PMah
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Cr 264/2 Æ Semis C. Servilius Vatia Rome, c. 127 b.c.e.
Laureate head of Saturn r.; behind, S
Prow r., inscribed C·SERVEILI; above, lion running r.; S before, ROMA below
One of the unusual types with the moneyer's name inscribed along the galley side rather than in the field.
A. McCabe points out that the lion is quite unusual on Republican bronze coins.
22.2mm., 4.90gm This specimen is more than a bit worn. However, the semis in this series is quite rare.
Servilia 8PMah
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Cr 444/1a Q. Sicinius & C. Coponius AR Denarius49 b.c.e. Pompeian field mint [or Asian mint?]
o: Apollo hd. rt, III•VIR behind, star below, Q•SICINIVS before
r: Lionskin on Hercules's club, b/t arrow & bow; PR•S•C up lft, C•COPONIVS down rt
3.76gm , 18mm
Sear CRI 3; Sicinia 2
One of the first issues of the Pompeians after "tactically redeploying" completely out of Italy. There is some discrepancy in views as to whether this was a Greek field mint product or minted in Asia, due to some similarities of the lion to Asian issues (more below re lion).
Sicinius was one of the last regular moneyers appointed under the Republic, and probably went down with the rest of the gang. Coponius, as praetor, was likely far more important in finding / extracting the silver and resources for the issue.
Coponius was also adept at surviving, stepping clear of the wreckage of the Pompeian cause and returning to Rome in time to be .... proscribed. In that regard, he was also (how to put this delicately...) well-served, as we are informed by Appian: "The wife of Coponius obtained his safety by yielding herself to Antony, although she had previously been chaste, thus curing one evil with another." Civil Wars IV.vi.40.
Ah, the lion. Well, I have referred to this as the "Bill the Cat" reverse, although the RRC 1b variant with the head facing directly is even more suggestive of the famous feline. Think about it (or look it up) and you will, too. PMah
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Cr 469/1a AR Denarius Cn. Pompey Minorissued in name of M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Corduba, summer 46 - spring 45 b.c.e.
Obv: Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around
Rev: Female figure -- Hispania -- standing facing, head to right, with round shield slung on back, holding two spears in left hand and with right hand giving palm-branch to soldier, standing facing, head to left on prow of ship; on right CN•MAGNVS•IMP upwards.
Sear CRI 48; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great)
3.49gm, 20mm, 6h.
This coin and its variations and related types with different obverses all reflect hope / support of Further Spain for the Pompeian cause, which had a few setbacks by the time Pompey Junior arrived in Spain. "A few" includes complete defeat at Pharsalus, the murder of Pompey the Great in Egypt, complete defeat along with Scipio and Cato at Thapsus/Utica. But the Pompey lads were nothing if not "optimistic" -- pun intended -- and they seemed to have access to silver in Spain. Things won't get better for Junior.
This specimen is a bit worn but otherwise very well-centered for the type, with all of the key details distinct. I note that the palm-branch held by Hispania is quite a bit longer than other specimens I have seen to date, perhaps a single-die elaboration. The Pompeian soldier appears to hold his helmet at ready in a formal pose, somewhat ironically given Pompey's own final disposition, but clearer specimens show this is the military cloak bunched at the shoulder.
Note unusually tall palm branch, almost double length compared to CoinArchives specimens.PMah
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Cr 465/5 C. Considius Paetus AR Denarius Rome 46 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted bust of Minerva to right, wearing aegis
r: Victory driving quadriga to right, holding reins, palm and wreath; C•CONSID[I] in ex.
3.86 gm.
Considia 5PMah
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Cr 462/1a AR/Æ plated Denarius M. Porcius CatoAfrica c. 47-46 b.c.e. (perhaps Sicily)
o: M CATO PRO PR Libertas (or Roma) bust rt, hair in fillet; ROMA (ligate) behind
r: VICTRIX Victoria seated rt, w/patera & palm branch
Syd. 1053 cf.; Porcia 10 cf.
None other than "Cato the Younger", acting pro pratore, either simply to strike coin or slightly earlier in Sicily where he was unsuccessful in securing either the island or its grain supply for the Pompeians.
This is a plated denarius, but highly likely from official dies. Indeed, the strike and preservation is better than typical of specimens of this issue, which is not particularly rare and must have been struck in large quantities to pay the massive numbers of troops with Pompey in Greece, or the vastly-reduced but not insubstantial number that escaped with Scipio and Cato to Africa (where they were reduced to ... none.) Was this part of a plated issue made as a desperate move to stretch out the supply of silver by the besieged remnants in Utica, or was it a few soldiers having fun with odds and ends they found under Cato's (very messy) deathbed?
PMah
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Cr 465/8b C. Considius Paetus AR Sestertius Rome 46 b.c.e
o: [C·CON]SID[IVS] Winged bust of Cupid r.
r: Double cornucopiae set on globe.
10 mm, 0.78 gm Considia 11. Syd. 997b. CRI 81a.
Paetus may have been a Pompeiian general, or a non-entity (more likely current consensus)
These tiny sestertii are very rare, issued for uncertain purpose, almost all poorly struck and in weak preservation. See RBW Collection lots 407 and 408.PMah
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Cr 17/1a AE Litra Anonymousc 275-269 BCE, anonymous bronze Litra
(18 mm, 5.03 gr.)
o: ROMANO, Minerva head l.; behind, star
r: Horse's head right, [ROMANO] behind
Reference: Crawford 17/1a
Ex. RBW collection
Ok, this one needs a better photo.PMah
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Cr 56/4 Æ Triens Anonymous after 211 B.C.E. (25.8 mm, 10.73 g, 4 h). Sardinia mint.
o: Helmeted head of Mercury right, four pellets above
r: ROMA, prow of galley right; four pellets below. Crawford 56/4
Ex RBW collection
This coin is a bit rough but I thought I should put up at least one of each denomination of Anonymous Crawford 56 types.PMah
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Cr 25/3 AE Litra Anonymousc 241-235 BCE Anonymous bronze Litra
16 mm, 3.07 grams
o: Head of Mars, right, beardless, wearing Corinthian helmet
r: ROMA below Horse head, right, with bridle; behind, sickle
Crawford 25/3
Ex. RBW collectionPMah
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Cr 277/1 AR Denarius Q. Minucius Rufus 122 B.C.E. (18.60 mm, 3.79 g, 1 h). Rome mint.
o: RVF, helmeted head of Roma right; mark of value X below chin
r: Q MINV, Dioscuri riding right, ROMA in exergue.
Crawford 277/1PMah
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Cr 183 AE As Anonymous [wolf/twins]c. 169-158 BCE, anonymous bronze As
28.2mm, 20.83 grams
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I (mark of value) above
r: ROMA below | I, Prow r. | [Victory?] | Wolf and twins above
Crawford 183/1
Many elements crammed onto reverse of this coin.
Ex RBW collectionPMah
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Cr 324/5b AR Denarius C. Vibius C.f. Pansa 90 B.C.E. (16.5 mm, 3.70 g, 6 h). Rome mint.
o: PANSA, laureate head of Apollo right, liitus below chin
r: C·VIBIVS·CF, Minerva driving quadriga right, holding reins and spear.
Crawford 324/5bPMah
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Cr 56/6 AE Sextans Anonymousc. 211 BCE, bronze sextans
16.5 mm, 3.28 grams.
o: Mercury head right, 2 pellets.
r: Prow r, ROMA above, 2 pellets below
Crawford 56/6; [further specification TBD]
Ex. RBW collection
A decent specimen of this common coin.PMah
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Cr 340/4 Æ As L. Calpurnius L.f. L.n. Piso Frugi 90 B.C.E. (27.43 mm, 13.84 g, 5 h). Rome mint.
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above
r: L PISO / FRVGI, prow of galley right, on which stands Victory right, holding palm frond.
Crawford 340/4
Ex RBW CollectionPMah
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Cr 262/2 AE Semis Anonymous [Elephant]c. 128 BCE, bronze Semis
20.9 mm, 8.29 grams
o: Saturn head right, S behind
r: Prow right, [S before?], elephant head above, [R]OM[A] below
Crawford 262/2
Ex. RBW collectionPMah
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Cr 201/4 AE Triens C. Scribonius C.f.154 B.C. AE triens.
C. Scribonius C.f.. 154 B.C. AE triens (21.35 mm, 9.22 g, 11 h).
O: Head of Minerva right wearing crested Corinthian-style helmet; above, four pellets
R: Prow of Galley right, [C] SCR above, four pellets to right // [ROMA] (in ex, mostly off)
Crawford 201/4; Sydenham 381b.
Ex RBW CollectionPMah
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Cr 60/6 AE Sextans Anonymous [Caduceus]c. 211 - 208 BCE, anonymous bronze sextans
24.6 mm, 9.23 grams
o: Mercury head to right, wearing winged petasos; 2 pellets above
r: Prow to r., caduceus above; in exergue, ROMA
Ex. RBW collectionPMah
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Cr 238/1 AR Denarius L. Antestius Gragulus 136 BC. AR Denarius (19 mm, 3.85 g, 10 h), Rome.
O: GRAG Helmeted head of Roma to right
R: L.ANTES / ROMA Jupiter in quadriga to right
Cr238/1;Antesia9PMah
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Cr 53/1 AR Victoriatus AnonymousAfter 211 BCE
(16.7 mm, 2.80 g, 7 h). Rome mint
o: Laureate head of Jupiter right
r: ROMA, Victory standing right, crowning trophy
Crawford 53/1; RSC 9
Another variation on this type, emphasizing other details on reverse
PMah
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Cr 53/1 AR Victoriatus AnonymousAfter 211 BCE
(17.38 mm, 2.93 g, 1 h). Rome mint
o: Laureate head of Jupiter right
r: ROMA, Victory standing right, crowning trophy
Crawford 53/1; RSC 9 PMah
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Cr 56/2 AE As AnonymousAfter 211 BCE
(32.57 mm, 42.11 g, 5 h). Uncial standard. Rome mint
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above
r: ROMA, prow of galley right; I above
Crawford 56/2; Sydenham 143.
No great beauty, but one accumulates Cr 56 series. Any more specific attribution assistance would be appreciated.PMah
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Cr 256/4a AE Quadrans Q. Caecilius Metellus130 BCE
(16.78 mm, 3.03 g, 7 h). Rome mint.
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing lion's skin headdress; three pellets behind
r: Q·MET / ROMA, prow of galley right, three pellets to right
Crawford 256/4a; Sydenham 510b
Ex RBW collection
PMah
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Cr 18/2 Anonymous (Apollo/Apollo series) Æ cast Semis ca. 275-270 b.c.e. Rome
o: Pegasus right, "S" below
r: Pegasus left, "S" below
150.08 gms
This first "Apollo/Apollo" series is a bit heavier than the second (Cr. 26) and is associated with the Apollo/Horse "Romano" didrachms (Cr, 15) minted outside of Rome. (The lighter second series bears an acorn symbol on each side, associated with Apollo/Horse "Roma" didrachms, and is considerably rarer.)
This specimen is quite nice and is just a bit on the light side; I suspect there is a sub-surface casting void around 5:00 obverse.
PMah
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Cr 262/2 AE Semis Anonymous 128 B.C.E.
AE Semis Anonymous, Rome mint
o: laureate head of Saturn right, S (mark of value) behind
r: galley prow right, elephant head wearing bell facing right above, S (mark of value) right, ROMA below
(7.242g, maximum diameter 22.3mm, die axis 90o,
ex RBW Collection
Forum's Notes:
The elephant head recalls the victory of L. Caecilius Metellus over Hasdrubal at Panormus in 250 B.C. and the capture of Hasdrubal's elephants. The moneyer is perhaps L. Caecilius Metellus Diadematus, Consul 117 B.C., or L. Caecilius Metellus Delmaticus, Consul 119 B.C.
Purchased from Forum Ancient Coins
PMah
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Cr 350B/3d AE Quadrans Anonymous c. 100 - 80 B.C. Bronze quadrans (Rome mint, 86 B.C.E.?)(2.082g, 16.1mm, die axis 90o) ;
O: head of Hercules right clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress, three pellets behind
R: prow of galley right, ROMA (MA ligate) above, three pellets right(?), head of Venus decorating top of acrostolium(?)
cf. Crawford 350B/3d (possibly unofficial copy)
ex RBW CollectionPMah
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Cr 298/1 L. Caesius112 or 111 BCE
o: Youthful bust of Apollo left, hurling thunderbolt, monogram behind
r: Two Lares Praestites seated right, dog between them; head of Vulcan and tongs above; LA monogram on left, ER monogram right [off flan], L CAES[I] in ex [AE ligate]
Crawford 298/1; Caesia 1
3.88gg. (12h)
See notes on my other example of this artistic type; this one is even nicer.PMah
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Cr 312/1 AR Denarius C. Sulpicius C.f. Galba Rome, 106 BCE
o: Jugate heads of Dei Penates left, DPP before
r: Two soldiers swearing oath over sow, L above, C SVLPICI. C F in ex.
Crawford 312/1. Sulpicia 1
Serrated, 3.85g. (12h)
Penates were both personal and public gods, and this obverse emphasizes that these are the public form, "Publici", as it would be quite unusual to emphasize the private aspect of household gods. The oath scene on reverse likely refers to the founding myth of the white sow at Alba Longa in the Aeneid. The Sulpicii gens eventually culminated (and terminated) with the emperor Galba. PMah
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Cr 350A/2 "Gargilius, Ogulnius & Vergilius"86 BCE
o: Laureate head of Apollo (Vejovis?) right, thunderbolt below
r: Jupiter in quadriga right, hurling thunderbolt and holding reins
Crawford 350A/2. RSC Anonymous 226.
3.84gg. (4h)
My view is this: Although in many respects this coin is boring and cold, it has an interesting virtue of being anepigraphic in an era of relative verbosity. The obverse is sometimes attributed as "Vejovis" and sometimes as "Apollo Vejovis" and sometimes just "Apollo". Vejovis seems to have been one of the most ancient gods, among the group that the Romans themselves often got confused as to origin-story and attributes. The fragmented sources do not make it much better and his odd name implying something like "un-Jupiter" is no help. (The anti-Jupiter implication --- darkest, weakest, least interested in nymphs -- being somewhat also at odds with the frequent association with Apollo.) Given the relative infrequency of Vejovis on coins, this ambiguity seems to extend to moneyers.
On the other hand, there is no equivalent Roman practice of the modern minting practice of issuing coins in a series simply to sell coins as "collect them all", so we can presume the moneyers expected a meaningful message to be conveyed.
This coin is much better in hand than the photo.PMah
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Cr 379/2 AR Denarius L. Procilius 80 BCE
o: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat's skin; SC behind
r: Juno Sospita in biga right, hurling spear and holding shield; serpent below, L PROCILI F in ex.
Crawford 379/2; RSC Procilia 2
Serrate Denarius
3.92g. (8h).PMah
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Cr 389/1 AR Denarius L. Rustius74 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Minerva or Mars right, SC behind, star (value mark) below chin
r: Ram standing right, L RVSTI in ex
Crawford 389/1. Rustia 1
3.86g. (5h)PMah
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Cr 392/1b AR Denarius L. Farsuleius Mensor76 BCE
o: Draped bust of Liberty right wearing stephane and pearl necklace, cap of liberty and SC behind, MENSOR before
r: Roma or male warrior in biga right, assisting togate figure to mount, control number XXCIX below horses, L FARSVLEI in ex
Crawford 392/1b; Farsuleia 2.
3.92gg. (4h)
Each control numeral in this issue appears on only one reverse die
This coin is in splendid condition for the type and nicely struck
Update: I recommend Yarrow, L., Romulus’ Apotheosis (RRC 392), AJN Second Series 30 (2018) pp. 145–161, for an interesting discussion of the reverse as depicting the ascension of Romulus, aided by Mars, and a discussion as to why this type appears in the mid-70s.PMah
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Cr 393/1a AR Denarius Cn. Lentulus76 or 75 BCE
o: Diademed bust of the Genius of the Roman People right, scepter over shoulder, GPR above
r: Scepter with wreath, globe, and rudder, EX - SC across field, CN LEN Q below
(Spanish mint?)
Crawford 393/1a; Cornelia 54
3.97gg. (5h).
PMah
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Cr 407/2 AR Denarius C. Hosidius C.f. Geta64 BCE
o: Diademed abd draped bust of Diana right with bow and quiver at shoulder, GETA before, III VIR behind
r: Calydonian Boar standing right, wounded by spear and attacked by dog, C HOSIDI [C F] in ex
Crawford 407/2; Hosidia 1.
3.52g. (6h)
A beautiful coin depicting a very narrow aspect of the Calydonian Boar myth. Oddly, the hero of the story is a strong woman, which must have been well known to the Romans, and the losers are a bunch of chest-thumping pseudo-Alpha-males.
Interesting to speculate what lesson the Romans drew from the story or the limited focus of this coin.PMah
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Cr 413/1 AR Denarius L. Cassius Longinus63 BCE
o: Bust of Vesta left, kylix behind, backwards S before
r: Citizen dropping tablet inscribed V into cista, LONGIN III V behind.
Crawford 413/1; Cassia 10.
3.85g. (7h)
The backwards S on obverse is a control mark, which collectively spell out Cassius' name across this type.
The reverse harkens back to an ancestor's voting law, where the "V" -- clearly visible on this nice coin -- indicated a positive vote. It is somewhat uncertain whether the money simply honored the presumably popular aspect of the law, which extended secrecy in voting, or also included the ancestor's role in prosecution of Vestal Virgins, as implied by the image of Vesta on the obverse. Apparently three Vestals were accused of being quite naughty for a Vestal, an extremely unhealthy thing to do, both individually and for the Roman state.PMah
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Cr 415/1 AR Denarius L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus62 BCE Rome mint
o: Veiled and diademed head of Concord right, PAVLLVS LEPIDVS- CONCORDIA around
r: L. Aemilius Paullus erecting trophy before three captives, PAVLLVS in ex., TE - R above
Crawford 415/1; Aemilia 10
3.99gg. (6h).
The reverse depicts King Perseus of Macedon and his sons, the non-winners at Paullus' victory at Pydna in 168 BCE, which ended the Macedonian dynasty and was not particularly healthy for the enslaved and looted cities, either.
The moneyer was likely engaged in a bit of counter-adoption, as the great general's agnate family technically died out upon his death.
PMah
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Cr 463/3 AR Denarius Mn. Cordius Rufus46 BCE
o: Head of Venus right, RVFVS SC behind
r: Cupid on dolphin right; below, MN [ligate] CORDIVS
Crawford 463/3; Cordia 3
3.70g. (2h)
Although this coin is a nice specimen, and the type is very popular, I find it hard to get excited about this issue.
Cordius was presumably a Caesarian minting between the battles of Pharsalus and Munda. The times were rather grim, both for the huge armies and the populace on which they were billeted. Cordius does not seem to be a significant personage.
The coin seems remarkably light-hearted and that seemingly drives its popularity in modern collecting -- "hey, it's a kid on a dolphin, what's not to like?"
It may reflect payment to troops crossing to (or leaving) Africa under the benevolent gaze of Caesar's ancestor Venus and her son Cupid (whose father is Mars). Given that the first part of the Caesarian army was scattered by storms, perhaps these coins were intended to reassure the follow-up troops that they would not end up scattered to the winds and eaten by lions, tigers and bears. Venus also looks vaguely like some of the later coin portraits of Caesar (or Eleanor Roosevelt).PMah
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Cr 298/1 AR Denarius Lucius Caesius 112-111 BCE. AR Denarius (20.4mm, 3.72 g, 1h). Rome mint.
O: Youthful, draped bust of Vejovis left, seen from behind, hurling thunderbolt; ROMA monogram to right
R: Two Lares seated right, each holding a staff; dog standing right between them, head of Vulcan and tongs above; L. CAESI
Crawford 298/1; Sydenham 564; Caesia 1
An unusual coin for this era of the Republic, particularly the bust seen over the shoulder. On the Rev, these are often cited as "Lares Praestites", guardians of the City of Rome. That makes sense as a coin, but that image is rare on coins and I (hope/think) some of the more local or personal lares are intended. The unusual obverse suggests that perhaps the reverse is equally creative and artistic.
PMah
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Cr 35/2 Anonymous "Libral Prow" series Æ cast Semis 225-217 b.c.e. Rome
o: Saturn head left, S below
r: Prow right, S above
129 gm.
The last of the nominally libral "Aes Grave" coinage, this series accompanied the introduction of the "Quadrigatus" didrachm before the silver coin began it's not-so-merry decline (see my debased 28/3 quadrigatus and my forthcoming posts of "post-semilibral" cast prows pieces to see it to the very bottom). (Don't worry, the denarius is coming to the rescue...)
Although this specimen has a few spots of metal loss, particularly on Saturn's hair, it is almost exactly at the weight standard and quite nice in hand. The "raised disk" is distinct, though not as crisp as some specimens. The lazy horizontal S is commonly seen, along with a more vertical orientation, presumably as the engraver saw fit.
PMah
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Cr 28/3 AR Quadrigatus (Didrachm) Anonymous Debased Quadrigatus, 225-215 BCE
o: Laureate head of Janus
r: Jupiter in quadriga driven by Victory right; below, ROMA in relief in linear frame.
Cr. 28/3. Syd. 68.
(g. 5.36 mm. 20.00)
Debased 2nd Punic War issue, probably quite debased as there is almost a brasssy tone to the silver. This deterioration of metal content undermined the Roman monetary system to such an extent that the Didrachm-based system was unsalvagable. The smaller, lighter, but purer Denarius system became the replacement standard.PMah
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Cr 56/5 Æ Quadrans Anonymous Anonymous Sextantal series. After 211 BCE.
o: Head of Hercules right; behind, three pellets
r: Prow right; above, ROMA; below, three pellets.
Cr. 56/5. (g. 5.83 mm. 20.00)
Nice earthen olive-green patinaPMah
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Cr 114/3 Æ Semis Anonymous [Rostrum tridens] Rostrum tridens (second) series.
Probably a late unofficial issue, after 82 BCE
o: Laureate head of Saturn right; behind, S.
r: Prow right; above, rostrum tridens; before, S; below, ROMA.
Cf. Cr. 114/3. (g. 9.08 mm. 24.00)
Coarse style and light?PMah
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Cr 187/1 AR Denarius Furius Purpurio 169-158 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X
r: Luna in biga right; murex shell above, PVR below; in exergue, ROMA in linear frame.
Cr. 187/1. Furia 13 (g. 3.88 mm. 18.00)
PMah
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Cr 191/a Æ As Anonymous VAL Valerius (?).c. 169-158 BCE
o: Laureate head of Janus; above, I
r: Prow right; above, VAL ligate; before, I; below, ROMA.
Cr. 191/1. Valeria 1. (34.78g 34.00mm)
Earthen dark green patina -- photos not great
Overweight for type?PMah
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Cr 217/1 AR Denarius C. Terentius Lucanus 147 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X and small Victory
r: The Dioscuri galloping right; below horses, C. TER.LVC. In exergue, ROMA.
Cr. 217/1. Terentia 10
(g. 3.59 mm. 18.00). PMah
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Cr 232/1 AR Denarius Cn. Gellius Cn. Gellius. Denarius 138 BCE, (18mm., 3.96g)
O: Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X. All within laurel wreath
r: Warrior in quadriga r., holding shield and grasping captive beside him; below, CN·GEL. In ex, ROMA
Babelon Gellia 1. Sydenham 434. RBW 962. Crawford 232/1.PMah
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Cr 236/1 AR Denarius M. Baebius Q. f. Tampilus 137 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma left, X below chin, TAMPIL behind
r: Apollo in quadriga right, ROMA below horses, M. BAEBI. Q. F. in exergue
Cr. 236/1. Baebia 12.
(g. 3.93 mm. 19.00)PMah
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Cr 245/1 AR Denarius M. Marcius Mn. f. 134 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; below chin, X; behind, modius
r: Victory in biga right; below, M MARC/ROMA divided by two corn-ears.
Cr. 245/1. Marcia 8
(g. 3.93 19.00 mm)PMah
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Cr 261/1 AR Denarius Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus 128 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, corn-ear; before, X
r: Victory in biga right, holding reins and whip; above, ROMA; below, man fighting lion (or hound?); in exergue, CN DOM.
Cr. 261/1. Domitia 14.
(g. 3.81 mm. 19.00 )PMah
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Cr 327/1 AR Denarius M. Servilius C.f. 100 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, Z
r: Two warriors, a Roman and a barbarian fighting on foot, each with a horse behind him; in exergue, M. SERVEILI. C. F / T
Cr. 327/1. Servilia 13
(g. 3.93 mm. 21.50)PMah
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Cr 332/1b AR Quinarius T. Cloelius 98 BCE
o: Laureate head of Jupiter right; below, S and dot
r: Victory right, crowning trophy; before trophy, captive; beside, carnyx; between Victory and trophy, T. CLOVLI; in exergue, Q.
Cr. 332/1b; Cloelia 2 (g. 1.83 mm. 15.00)PMah
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Cr 337/3 AR Denarius D. Silanus L.f. 91 BCE
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, C
r: Victory in biga right; in exergue, D. SILANVS L.F/ROMA
Cr. 337/3; Junia 15
(g. 3.93 mm. 17.50)
Crisp strike, nice tonePMah
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Cr 345/2 AR Quinarius Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus o: Laureate head of Jupiter right
r: Victory standing right, crowning trophy with laurel-wreath
Cr. 345/2. Cornelia 51 (g. 2.12 mm. 13.00)
Nice weight for a quinarius
Say what you will about the Cornelii, but they managed to mint a tremendous number of types. I think more than any other gens. Marcii and Calpurnii are distant 2nds, I think.PMah
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Cr 453/1a AR Denarius L. Plautius Plancus 47 BCE
o: Facing head of Medusa with coiled snake on either side; below, L. PLAVTIVS
r: Aurora flying right, head facing slightly left, holding palm branch and reins in each hand and conducing four horses of the Sun; below, PLANCVS Cr. 453/1a. Plautia 15
(g. 3.82 mm. 18.50)
Several very nice specimens on these galleries, see JayT4 and Carausius for example.
Reasonable minds can differ, slightly, but this reverse is possibly the most artistic of the Republican series. This coin is decent, but some examples are breathtaking. Obviously, an infusion of Greek engravers that year. Perhaps from Alexandria or the aftermath of Pharsalus (speculating a bit here).PMah
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Cr 335/1a AR Denarius C. Malleolus, A. Albinus Sp.f., and L. Caecilius Metellus96 BCE Rome mint
o: L. METEL A. ALB. S. F Laureate head of Apollo to right
r: C. MALL / ROMA Roma seated left on pile of shields, holding spear and parazonium, being crowned by Victory standing behind
Crawford 335/1a
(19 mm, 3.72 g, 4 h)PMah
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