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Crawford 447/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Pompey the Great, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Pompey the Great & M. Terentius Varro, 49-48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.77g; 18mm; 2h).
Mint travelling with Pompey in Greece.

Obverse: VARRO·PRO·Q; Diademed, terminal bust of Jupiter, facing right.

Reverse: Scepter flanked by dolphin and eagle; MAGN·PRO|COS in exergue.

References: Crawford 447/1a; HCRI 8; Sydenham 1033; BMCRR Spain 64; Pompeia 7; Terentia 15.

Provenance: Ex Schulman Vault Collection [Schulman Jubilee Auction 365 (22 Oct 2020), Lot 1510]; from a collection formed in 1950s-80s.

In 49 BCE, when Caesar crossed the Rubicon into Italy with his legions, Pompey was forced to flee to Greece to raise an army (his legions at the time were in Spain). This is the last coin type produced for Pompey before the decisive battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE. Caesar’s victory in that battle would cement Caesar’s prominence in the Roman world and prompt Pompey’s flight to Egypt, where Pompey was immediately murdered by agents of the Ptolemaic royals.

This coin refers to Pompey’s imperium throughout the Roman world and his military prowess on both land and sea. Terminus was the Roman god of boundaries and boundary markers, and terminal busts were typically used as boundary markers in ancient Greece and Rome. In this case, the terminal bust alludes to the borders of the Roman empire over which Pompey had Senate-granted authority. The reverse suggests Pompey’s military successes on sea and land against Mediterranean pirates and Mithridates.

The coin was produced by M. Terentius Varro as Proquaestor. He was not likely the author of the same name, but perhaps his son or grandson.

This type is now generally assigned to a military mint with Pompey in Greece. However, numismatists previously thought it was an earlier issue by a Spanish mint, and it is worth noting the similarity of flan fabric to other Spanish issues – particularly the way flans were chisel-cut, which is particularly visible on the reverse of this specimen at 10h, 11h and 2h. For Spanish issues with similar flan fabric, see Crawford 469/1 (Spain); Crawford 532/1 (Spain). In addition, Crawford 519/2 (uncertain Eastern mint) often shows similar fabric.
6 commentsCarausius09/25/22 at 19:28SRukke: Fantastic!!!

Crawford 511/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.87g; 21mm).
Sicilian mint.

Obv: [M]AG PIVS IMP [ITER]. Bust of Neptune facing right; trident over shoulder.

Rev: [PR]AEF CLAS ET OR[AE MAR IT EX S C]. Naval trophy.

References: Crawford 511/2; HCRI 333; Sydenham 1347 (R5).

Provenance: Ex Stack's Bowers August 2016 ANA (10 Aug 2016), Lot 20139; ex Nomos Obolos 4 (21 Feb 2016), Lot 522; ex RBW Collection [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 538]; privately purchased from SKA Zurich, July 1985; De Falco FPL 77 (Dec 1967), Lot 134.

Sextus Pompey was a son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, he was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts". Shortly following this honor, the Second Triumvirate was formed and placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. 5 commentsCarausius08/15/22 at 13:03*Alex: Superb portrait of Neptune. Outstanding.

Crawford 500/7, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus and Lentulus Spinther, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus and Lentulus Spinther, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 20mm).
Military Mint (Smyrna?).

Obv: BRVTVS; axe, simpulum and knife.

Rev: LENTVLVS SPINT; jug and lituus.

References: Crawford 500/7; HCRI 198; Sydenham 1310; BMCRR East 80-1; Junia 41.

Provenance: Ex Stoeklin Collection [Nomos14 (17 May 2017) Lot 301]; ex Munzhandlung Basel 6 (18 Mar 1936), Lot 1483; ex Trau Collection [Gilhoffer & Ranschburg & Hess (22 May 1935), Lot 37].

The sacrificial implements on the obverse refer to Brutus' membership in the college of Pontifs. The implements on the reverse refer to Spinther's membership in the augurate since 57 BCE.

Spinther was the son of P. Cornelius Lentulus, whose nickname was Spinther (reportedly because he resembled an actor by that name). It was a nickname that his father clearly liked as both he and his son later used it on coins. His father was an aristocrat of the Cornelia gens, who was liked by Julius Caesar and worked with Cicero in suppressing the Cataline conspiracy. He was later governor of part of Spain. With Caesar’s help, his father was elected consul in 57BC, when he recalled Cicero from exile. Thereafter he governed Cilicia, at which time Cicero wrote him a still-surviving letter. As relations deteriorated between Caesar and Pompey, both Spinthers sided with Pompey. Despite initial offers of amnesty by Caesar, Spinther senior would not remain neutral and was eventually killed or committed suicide during the civil wars. His son later allied with Caesar’s assassins and struck coins for both Brutus and Cassius.
4 commentsCarausius08/15/22 at 12:59*Alex: Superb example.

Crawford 480/06, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar and Lucius Aemilius Buca, 44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.77g; 21mm).
Rome Mint, Feb-Mar 44 BCE.

Obverse: CAESAR DICT- PERPETVO; wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.

Reverse: Fasces and winged caduceus in saltire; axe, globe, clasped hands and L BVCA in angles.

References: Crawford 480/6; HCRI 103; Sydenham 1063; BMCRR 4157-9; Julia 37; Alföldi, Type XIII, Plate XCVIII, No. 78.

Provenance: Ex Goldberg Auction #104 (12 Jun 2018) Lot 3248.

Caesar was granted the title of Dictator for Life in mid-February, 44 BCE, thus all coins bearing DICT PERPETVO inscriptions can be firmly dated to the final month of Caesar’s life. This was a period of massive coinage output because Caesar was preparing for a campaign against the Parthians for which a substantial war chest would be needed. To meet the production needs, the college of moneyers was expanded from 3 to 4 moneyers. Nevertheless, manufacturing stress is evident by the frequent poor strikes and off-struck coins that survive today from these final Caesar portrait issues.

The moneyer Lucius Aemilius Buca may have been a relative of Sulla. He does not appear to have struck coins after Caesar’s assassination. With its symbolism, the reverse of this coin suggests Caesar’s growing grasp on religious, military and political power.
3 commentsCarausius08/15/22 at 12:56*Alex: Great coin. Not one I've seen before.

Crawford 512/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Clodius VestalisRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Clodius C.f. Vestalis. 41 BCE
AR Denarius (3.99g; 20mm; 12h).
Rome mint, 41 BCE.

Obverse: C•CLODIVS - C• F•; Draped, laureate bust of Flora, facing right; flower behind.

Reverse: VESTALIS; Veiled female seated to left, extending culullus in right hand.

References: Crawford 512/2; HCRI 317; Sydenham 1135 (R3); BMCRR 4196; Clodia 13

Provenance: Ex Nomisma 65 (17 Jun 2022) Lot 40; Aretusa Auction 1 (18 Sep 1993) Lot 265; De Nicola FPL (Sep 1968) Lot 248.

Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers and springtime, with an association to fertility, and her festival began at Rome circa 240-238 BCE. Crawford prefers the later date, which would eliminate the Flora connection to the moneyer’s kinsman, C. Claudius Cento, consul in 240 BCE; David Sear thinks the 240 BCE date of the festival is correct and that the connection to C. Claudius Cento is the reason for the obverse type. The reverse depiction of a seated Vestal Virgin might be a punning allusion to the moneyer’s cognomen, Vestalis, or it may depict one of the Vestal Virgins who were members of the Claudia gens (Claudia Quinta ca. 200 BCE, or Claudia, daughter of Appius Claudius Pulcher, consul in 143 BCE). Grueber argues that the coin depicts Claudia Quinta who was instrumental in bringing the cult of Cybele to Rome, and from whom the Claudians assumed the cognomen “Vestalis.”1 commentsCarausius08/15/22 at 03:11Jay GT4: Some great Imperatorial additions lately

Crawford 468/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.03g; 19mm; 4h).
Spanish mint, 46-45 BCE.

Obverse: Diademed head of Venus Genetrix, facing right, wearing earing and necklace of pendants; Cupid on shoulder.

Reverse: Gallic captives, bound and seated under trophy of Gallic arms; CAESAR in exergue.

References: Crawford 468/1; Sydenham 1014; BMCRR (Spain) 89; Julia 11.

Provenance: Ex Inasta Auction 100 (24 Jun 2022) Lot 180; Varesi E-Live 2 (20 Sep 2020) lot 253; Busso Peus Auction 393 (31 Oct 2007) Lot 488; Numismatik Lanz Auction 42 (23 Nov 1987) Lot 399.

This was part of Caesar’s military mint output during the Spanish campaign against Pompey’s sons. The obverse depicts Venus Genetrix to whom Caesar dedicated a temple in Rome. The reverse, alluding to Caesar’s triumphs in Gaul, was perhaps directed toward his remaining veteran troops from the Gallic campaign. The male captive on right, with wild hair and pointed beard, bears some resemblance to the Gallic head depicted on Crawford 448/2a, which is often attributed as Vercingetorix but which Crawford thought was merely a typical male Gaul.
1 commentsCarausius08/15/22 at 02:51Ken W2: Awesome coin!

Crawford 545/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marcus Antonius and D. Turullius, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius and Decimus Turullius, 44-30 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.84g; 19mm; 4h).
Military mint, 31 BCE.

Obverse: M ANTONIVS AVG IMP IIII COS TERT III VIR R P C; bare head of Antony, facing right.

Reverse: Victory holding filleted wreath and palm branch; D TVR to right; all within laurel wreath border.

References: Crawford 545/1; HCRI 387; Sydenham 1211(R7); BMCRR (East) 227; Antonia 146; Turullia 5.

Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3093 (29 Oct 2021) lot 31125; obverse collectors’ marks [fleur-de-lis stamp and India-inked #2] suggest a modern history in old European collections.

This is one of the final denarius issues struck by Antony in the lead-up to Actium. The obverse inscription is notable in that it mentions: an uncertain fourth imperatorial acclamation which is lost to history and likely not of real importance; and an intended third consulship with Octavian, which Antony never actually served (Octavian chose another partner).

Decimus Turullius was part of the assassination plot against Julius Caesar and initially fought with the Liberators against the Triumvirate. While a naval commander for Cassius, Turullius sourced wood for a fleet by ordering that a grove of trees sacred to Asclepios, on the Island of Cos, be cut down. He later defected to Antony after Philippi. Turullius was captured by Octavian following Actium, and it is said he was executed on Cos in that same sacred grove that he cut down years earlier.

This scarce coin has an interesting pair of collectors’ marks on the obverse field – a stamped fleur-de-lis and an India ink “2”. The fleur-de-lis is likely not an ancient banker’s mark, but a modern collector stamp as occurs on coins from collections of royalty and nobility in the 17th- 19th centuries. The India ink number is probably later than the stamp, perhaps late 19th or early 20th century. Whether both marks are from the same collection is not yet known. I have so far been unable to determine a likely collection for the fleur-de-lis mark, although a French noble or French royal collection seems plausible.

1 commentsCarausius08/14/22 at 16:25Jay GT4: Wonderful coin!

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, Plated (Fourree) DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
Plated (fourree) Denarius (2.53g; 20mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35; Smyth XIV/28 (this coin described).

Provenance: Naville Auction 62 (13 Dec 2020) Lot 393; Duke of Northumberland Collection [Sotheby's (1982) Lot 482]; acquired before 1856.

While it is generally accepted that there were no “official” plated denarii issued by the Roman Republic, there were very-rare exceptions during the Imperatorial Period. Cornuficius’ coinage struck in North Africa circa 42 BC (Crawford 509) are more often found plated than solid and may have been an “official” plated issue. Whether the tyrannicides may have run into occasional silver shortages during the lead-up to Phillipi which required issuance of plated coins on an emergency basis can only be guessed; however, plated coins of the tyrannicides are certainly not common enough to support such a theory. I have seen a few very high-quality plated examples of the above type, but not huge numbers. Also, ancient forgeries would have been produced from impressions of genuine coins and should be of good style. For a solid silver example of the type, see my gallery coin at: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-158193

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking a regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.

The coin comes from the Duke of Northumberland Collection, catalogued by Admiral William Smyth in his 1856 book, "Descriptive Catalogue of A Cabinet of Roman Family Coins Belonging to His Grace the Duke of Northumberland," and sold by Sotheby’s in 1982. The Smyth book has no plates (line drawn or otherwise), but it does contain detailed descriptions of the collection coins with weights in grains. This coin is described in Smyth’s book, therefore it must have been acquired by the Duke’s family before 1856. Smyth described the collection as being in the Duke’s family for many years, so the ownership history conceivably dates to the 18th century. In describing this coin, Smyth said: “[t]his remarkably well-plated denarius, in very high preservation, and though fully spread, weighs only 39.5 grains…” Indeed, the coin is remarkably well-plated, with only one spot of the core visible on Neptune’s cheek, and the flan quite full at 20mm. Except for the one spot of visible core, the surfaces are exceptional, with deep iridescent tone, reflecting over a century spent in the Duke’s cabinet.
2 commentsCarausius06/13/22 at 02:13Jay GT4: Wonderful coin!

Crawford 464/7, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, T. Carisius, AR SestertiusRome, The Republic.
T. Carisius, 46 BCE.
AR Sestertius (0.65g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: [Mask of Silenus]; [T·]CARISI[VS] below.

Reverse: Panther advancing right with thyrsus; III VIR in exergue.

References: Crawford 464/7a; Sydenham 988 (R8); RBW 1620 (this coin); BMCRR 4076; Babelon, Carisia 12 (this coin illustrated inaccurately as Carisa 13); Borghesi, Oeuvres, Vol 1, Pl. 1, Fig 7 (this coin illustrated inaccurately); Riccio, Le Monete Delle Antiche Famiglie di Roma (2nd Ed., 1843), Carisia 9 and Pl. 54, Fig 2 (this coin cited and illustrated inaccurately); B. Borghesi, “Dodici sesterzj illustrati”, Giornale numismatico, No. IV, July 1808, pp. 52-57, extracted and republished in Borghesi 1862-4, vol. 1, pp. 29-38 (this coin described inaccurately).

Provenance: Ex STR collection; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012) Lot 395]; bought from W. Verres in Aug 2002; Sarti Collection [Hirsch VII (1903), Lot 1606]; Bartolomeo Borghesi (d. 1860) Collection, acquired before July 1808 (when it was described in the Borghesi article in Giornale numismatico).

An extremely rare coin with only 5 obverse and 4 or 5 reverse dies known to Crawford (Richard Schaefer identified 6 obverse dies in his Roman Republican Die Project). Crawford listed two obverse varieties – the first with inscription beside and below Silenus’ head (464/7a), and the second with inscription above Silenus’ head (464/7b) for which my coin was the basis. The misinterpretation of my coin by Borghesi, a famous 19th century collector with mediocre eyesight, and the subsequent reliance by cataloguers on the numismatic artist Dardel’s line drawing of the coin which followed Borghesi’s misinterpretation, resulted in the cataloguing of the second obverse variety by Babelon, Sydenham and Crawford. In fact, Borghesi was holding the obverse upside down and thought Silenus’ beard was the top of his head – an easy mistake to make with limited, 19th century numismatic aids and resources. My comparison of this coin to known dies for the type yielded a die match to the Berlin specimen (Crawford’s plate for 464/7a) which proved that the visible obverse device is actually Silenus’ beard, and thus the inscription runs beside and below and beard as per Crawford 464/7a. Recently, an example of the type was auctioned which bore an obverse inscription running over the top of Silenus’ head, providing plausible support to the Crawford 464/7b variety.

Prior researchers have alternately identified the obverse mask as either Silenus or Pan. See, Sear HCRI, no. 75 (Silenus); Crawford 464/7a and 464/7b (Pan); Banti 1981, Carisia 36-38 (Pan); BMCRR, no. 4076 (Pan); Babelon, Carisia 12 and 13 (Pan); Cohen, Carisia 9 (Silenus); Borghesi 1862-4, vol. 1, p. 32, n. 2 (Silenus); Riccio 1843, p. 46, Carisia 9 (Silenus). Silenus is typically identifiable as an old man with pug nose and some horse characteristics (notably, ears and tail), while Pan is recognized as part goat and part man. I believe that this coin actually depicts a Silenus.
3 commentsCarausius05/25/22 at 16:06Timestheus: Extremly interesting

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.

Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
9 commentsCarausius05/24/22 at 23:16ChefStu22: This coin is stunning Cool

Crawford 518/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.67g; 17mm; 11h).
Military mint travelling with Octavian, 41BCE.

Obverse: C•CAESAR•III•VIR R•P•C; Octavian’s bare head facing right.

Reverse: POPVL IVSSV; Equestrian statue (Octavian?) left.

References: Crawford 518/2; HCRI 299; Sydenham 1317 (R5); BMCRR Gaul 79-80; Julia 97; Banti & Simonetti 701/2 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Charles Chamberlain Collection [CNG eSale 509 (9 Feb 2022) Lot 624]; Andrew McCabe Collection [Italo Vecchi Ltd. 17 (15 Dec 1999), Lot 804]; acquired privately from Baldwin’s in 1992; Barone Dr. Pompeo Bonazzi di Sannicandro (1876-1956) Collection [Rodolfo Ratto (23 Jan 1924) Lot 1444].

This type is scarce and generally comes very poorly struck or from worn dies. Obverse die links prove that this type was struck together with the Crawford 518/1 denarii struck by Balbus as Propraetor (see adjacent coin by Balbus in this gallery). Crawford reports 11 obverse dies and 12 reverse dies; Schaefer RRDP has 24 obverse dies for BOTH 518/1 (Balbus type) and 518/2 and 15 reverse dies for 518/2. Based on an inscription, published by Orelli, from a Vatican plinth containing the words “IVSSV POPVLI” (“by order of the people”) originally associated with a statue of Julius Caesar, Babelon thought the reverse depicted a statue of Julius Caesar dedicated in 42BCE at the time of Caesar’s apotheosis. Grueber disagreed, pointing out that since most public statues were erected by order of the Roman people, a similar inscription could apply to a statue of Octavian. He assigned the reverse type as depicting an equestrian statue of Octavian dedicated in 41BCE after the Battle of Philippi. Sear agrees with Grueber on this point, while Crawford merely describes the statue as a “Galloping equestrian statute” without specific attribution.

This coin was part of the important Bonazzi Collection, which was sold anonymously in two parts by Rodolfo Ratto in the mid-1920s. Bonazzi began collecting about 1910 and quickly assembled a broad collection of Roman Republican coins in a very short time.
3 commentsCarausius05/24/22 at 12:29Jay GT4: Excellent

Crawford 463/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Mn. Cordius Rufus, AR SestertiusRome, The Imperators.
Manius Cordius Rufus. 46 BCE
AR Sestertius (0.73g; 11mm; 6h).
Rome mint, 46 BCE.

Obverse: MN CORD; Diademed head of Venus, facing right.

Reverse: RVFI; Cupid advancing to right, holding wreath and palm.

References: Crawford 463/5b; Sear, HCRI 67 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 980a (R5); BMCRR 4045-48; Cordia 7; RBW 1609 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex J. de Wilde Collection [CNG 120 (12 May 2022) Lot 727]; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 384]; Numismatic Fine Arts XXIV (18 Oct 1990) Lot 1348; Consul E.F. Weber († Sep 1907) Collection [Hirsch XXIV (10 May 1909) Lot 322].

Another rare, silver sestertius from 46 BCE! The moneyer may have originated from Tusculum where an inscription was found identifying him as a Praetor. There was a cult of the Dioscuri at Tusculum and some of Manius’ denarii bore the Dioscuri on the obverse. His coins, such as this sestertius, also honor Venus, which may be either a canting pun to Venus Verticordia or a nod to Julius Caesar, whose gens claimed descent through Venus.
1 commentsCarausius05/24/22 at 12:27Jay GT4: Great rarity and provenance

Crawford 494/42, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Mussidius Longus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm; 3h).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: CONCORDIA; Veiled head of Concordia facing right; crescent beneath chin.

Reverse: L•MVSSIDIVS•LONGVS; Shrine of Venus Cloacina with two statues, inscribed CLOACIN.

References: Crawford 494/42c; HCRI 188b; Sydenham 1093b; BMCRR 4246; Mussidia 6.

Provenance: Ex Peter J. Merani Collection [Triton XXIV]; H.J.Berk BBS 201 (13 Jul 2017), lot 163; H.J. Berk BBS 166 (15 Oct 2009), lot 280; Eton College Collection [Sotheby's (1 Dec 1976), lot 409].

Nothing is known of the Mussidia gens except for the coins of L. Mussidius Longus. The reverse depicts the open air, circular shrine of Venus Cloacina containing two statues and a balustrade. Remains of the shrine survive in the Roman Forum today. In antiquity, the shrine was located near Rome’s main sewer outlet, the Cloaca Maxima, and reflected the importance of Rome’s sewer system to the health and well being of the City. Sear interprets the reverse as an allusion to purification needed after Caesar’s assassination.
4 commentsCarausius05/03/22 at 14:26Timestheus: Fine "cloacina" coin!

Crawford 455/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Restio AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Antius Restiio, 47 BC
Rome Mint

Obv: RESTIO; Head of Restio right.

Rev: C ANTIVS C F; Hercules advancing right with club and trophy.

Reference: Crawford 455/1b; HCRI 34; Sydenham 970 var (no cloak over arm); Banti Antia 1/2 (this coin illustrated); G. Lahusen, Die Bildnismunzen Der Romischen Republik, pl. 61, no. 37 (this coin illustrated)

Provenance: ex Student & Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 411]; ex F. Sternberg VII (1977), Lot 448; ex Carlo Crippa List 3 (1967), Lot 394.

This is a rare variety of Restio denarius, on which Hercules bears no cloak over his left arm. Banti's corpus contains only three examples of this variety, one of which is this coin. 3 commentsCarausius01/24/22 at 16:48Steve B5: Great style

Crawford 457/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar and Aulus AllienusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar and Aulus Allienus, 48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.64g; 20mm; 6h).
Sicilian mint, 47 BCE.

Obverse: C CAESAR IMP COS ITER; diademed and draped bust of Venus, facing right.

Reverse: A ALLIENVS PRO COS; Trinacrus facing left, placing foot on prow and holding a triskeles and cloak.

References: Crawford 457/1; HCRI 54; Sydenham 1022 (R7); BMCRR Sicily 5; Alliena 1.

Provenance: Ex NAC Spring Sale (10 May 2021) Lot 1098; M. Ratto FPL 1 (Feb 1966) Lot 363.

Aulus Allienus was a friend of Cicero's. Two of Cicero's extant letters are addressed to him. He was the legate of Cicero's brother in Asia in 60 BC, and praetor in 49 BCE. In 48 BCE, he held the province of Sicily. He continued in Sicily until 47 BCE when he received the title of proconsul. While proconsul in Sicily, he sent troops to support Julius Caesar in Africa against the Pompeians. These coins were issued as initial pay for those troops.

The coin depicts Venus on the obverse, alluding to the Julia gens’ mythical descent from the goddess and her first appearance on a coin of Caesar (many would follow). On the reverse, Trinacrus holds a trinacria (triskeles), the symbol of “three-cornered” Sicily - his right foot on the prow of a vessel. These devices make clear the Sicilian origin of the issue. Trinacrus is described by numismatic scholars as a son of Neptune, whose myth appears to have been created as an explanation for the early name for Sicily (Trinacria), which is more likely derived from the island’s triangular shape. Grueber agreed with the Trinacrus attribution because the god is depicted in the same position as Neptune is often shown, with his foot on a prow.

The coin is one of the rarer issues in the name of Caesar (R7 in Sydenham). Crawford estimated fewer than 30 obverse dies and fewer than 33 reverse dies. Schaefer’s Roman Republican Die Project includes just 13 obverse and 13 reverse dies.
3 commentsCarausius06/09/21 at 18:01Nemonater: Wonderful

Crawford 496/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marc Antony, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 18mm; 5h).
Military mint travelling with Antony, 42BCE.

Obverse: Antony's bearded head right; M ANTONI - IMP.

Reverse: Facing bust of Sol within distyle temple; III - VIR - R·P·C, around.

References: Crawford 496/1; HCRI 128; Sydenham 1168; BMCRR (Gaul) 62; Antonia 34.

Provenance: Hess Divo 329 (17 Nov 2015) lot 138; J.D. Collection [NAC 72 (16 May 2013) lot 1272]; Gilbert Steinberg Collection [NAC-Spink Taisei (16 Nov 1994) lot 1994]; Numismatic Fine Arts FPL 15 (Jul-Aug 1979) lot 33.

This coin was likely struck shortly after Brutus’s and Cassius’s defeat at Philippi in 42 BCE. Antony is still shown with his beard of mourning (he and Octavian would not shave until Caesar’s assassination was avenged), and it’s likely that the die engravers had not yet been instructed to remove the beard following Philippi. This is the last bearded image of Antony to appear on his coinage. There were two versions of this coin type: one with IMP spelled the standard way, as on this example; the other with IMP ligate. The reverse type emphasizing Sol was a common theme on Antony’s eastern coinage, perhaps reflecting his growing enchantment with eastern Hellenistic culture.
2 commentsCarausius06/09/21 at 04:15akeady: Very nice!

Crawford 504/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicillus, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Q. Caepio Brutus & C. Flavius Hemicillus, 44-42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.83g; 19mm; 12h).
Military Mint, Early Summer 42 BCE.

Obverse: C·FLAV·HEMIC·LEG·PRO·PR; Draped bust of Apollo, facing right with lyre before.

Reverse: Q·CAEP·BRVT·IMP; Victory holding palm branch and crowning trophy.

References: Crawford 504/1; HCRI 205; Syd 1294 (R7); BMCRR East 55; Junia 49; Servilia 31.

Provenance: Ex Barry Feirstein Collection [NAC 45 (2 Apr 2008) Lot 38]; privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd.

This rare type was issued by Brutus and his legate during the lead-up to the decisive battle of Phillipi. There is debate as to whether this legate is named in the historical texts, because there are multiple, conflicting references to Flaviuses serving with Brutus.
1 commentsCarausius02/21/21 at 20:29paul1888: A beautiful coin.

Crawford 544/15, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Antony Legion III DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Mark Antony, 31 BCE.
Mint travelling with Antony.
AR Denarius (3.69g; 18mm).

Obv: ANT AVG III VIR R P C; Galley right.

Rev: LEG III; Aquilia between two standards.

Reference: Crawford 544/15; HCRI 350; Syd 1217; Viereck, Die Römische Flotte (1975), p. 292 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: ex CNG Classical Numismatic Review (Jul 2017); ex Triton IV (5 Dec 2000), Lot 432; ex Sternberg XII (18 Nov 1982), Lot 512; ex H.D.L. Viereck Collection (bef. 1975).

Produced by Antony in the lead-up to his final defeat at Actium by Octavian’s navy (commanded by Agrippa), the legionary series was a huge issue that recognized 23 legions under Antony’s command. These coins would continue to circulate throughout the Empire for several centuries after Antony’s loss, partly because their notoriously debased silver discouraged hoarding.
3 commentsCarausius02/21/21 at 14:32Anaximander: Do they get any better than this?

Crawford 494/39, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus, AR Denarius Rome, The Imperators.
L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.72g; 16mm).
Rome mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: Wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.

Reverse: L·MVSSIDIVS·LONGVS; caduceus on globe, flanked by rudder, cornucopia and apex.

References: Crawford 494/39a; HCRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Mussidia 8; Julia 58.

Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3087 (17 Dec 2020) Lot 30041; Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (d. 1975) Collection [Nomos Obolos 9 (25 Mar 2018) Lot 108]; acquired before 1975.

The moneyer is not otherwise known to history. Struck during the lead-up to Phillipi, the coin certainly reflects favor on the Caesarian side of the conflict, with the portrait of the late dictator on the obverse and devices referring to Caesar’s accomplishments on the reverse. The rudder and globe refer to Caesar’s military success and imperium over land and sea. The apex refers to his position as Pontifex Maximus. The cornucopia and caduceus allude to the blessings and happiness that Caesar bestowed on Rome. Multiple legend arrangements appear on this type, with curved and straight-line arrangements sometimes above, beside and below the devices.

The obverse fields show some raised striations, possibly caused from die cleaning or otherwise preparing the die for use. Other examples from the same obverse die show similar field striations.

This coin comes from the Stöcklin Collection, sold by Nomos over a series of auctions beginning with Nomos 14 in 17 May 2017. The collection consisted of ancient coins assembled over three generations in the family by Sebastian Roš (1839-1917), his son-in-law Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (1888-1975) and grandson Dr. Walter M. Stöcklin (d. 1981).
3 commentsCarausius01/10/21 at 07:30quadrans: Great 👍

Crawford 511/4, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 42-36 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.49g; 20mm).
Sicilian mint, 42-40 BCE.

Obverse: MAG PIVS IMP ITER; Pharos of Messina with two windows and a balcony, surmounted by statue of Neptune wearing helmet and holding trident and resting foot on prow; galley with aquila passing before.

Rev: PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C; the monster, Scylla, her body terminating in two fish-tails and the foreparts of three dogs, facing left and wielding a rudder with two hands.

References: Crawford 511/4a; HCRI 335; Sydenham 1348; BMCRR (Sicily) 18-19; Banti 8/3 (this coin illustrated); Pompeia 22.

Provenance: Ex Kuenker Auction 312 (8 Oct 2018), Lot 2712; Walter Niggeler (d. 1964) Collection [Leu/Muenzen und Medaillen (21-22 Oct 1966), Lot 964].

Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, he was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus classis et orae maritimae). Shortly following this honor, the Second Triumvirate was formed and placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. In 42 BCE, Octavian sent Salvidienus Rufus to dislodge Sextus, but Rufus was defeated. It was likely between this defeat of Rufus and the Pact of Misenum with the Triumvirs (39 BCE) that Sextus struck much of his coinage, including this type. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune and the marine monster Scylla, destroyer of ships, are prominently displayed on this coin.
4 commentsCarausius01/02/21 at 13:30Limes: Great specimen, with almost complete legendss

Crawford 464/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, T. Carisius, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
T. Carisius, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Juno Moneta facing right; MONETA behind.

Reverse: Anvil with garlanded Vulcan cap (die?) above; tongs to left; hammer to right; T. CARISIVS above; surrounded by wreath.

References: Crawford 464/2; Sydenham 982; BMCRR 4056; Carisia 1.

Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction #231946 (14 Nov 2019) Lot 62150; Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019), Lot 92.

Little is known about T. Carisius beyond his coins and some ambiguous prosopographical evidence. He may be the Carisius that commanded the left wing of Octavian’s fleet during a naval battle with Sextus Pompey at Tauromenium, as reported in Appian. He may be the T. Carisius identified as praetor of the Volcae in Narbonese Gaul on inscriptions found in Avignon, France in 1841 and in Beaueaire, France in 2001. He may also be the father or brother of P. Carisius, who served as legatus pro praetor in Spain, ca. 25-23 BCE, and issued a large coinage for Augustus.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the massive output by the moneyers T. Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to Caesar's legionaries. Carisius issued a large series of silver coins, including various designs of denarii, quinarii and sestertii. His fractional silver are notoriously scarce.

This reverse design of this coin is often debated, with scholars falling into two camps: those who think that coin-striking implements, including a garlanded reverse punch die, are depicted; and those who think general metal smithing implements and a garlanded cap of Vulcan (pileus) are depicted. Crawford (1974) called the disputed device a punch die. Sydenham (1952) called the device "cap of Vulcan, laureate" (See Syd. #982). In BMCRR (1910), Grueber called the device "cap of Vulcan (pileus), laureate" (See BMCRR vol 1, 4056). Barfeldt (1896), correcting Babelon, believed it was a cap of Vulcan. Babelon (1883) identifies it as a die. I believe the upper device is a garlanded cap of Vulcan, not a punch die. It matches similar depictions of garlanded caps of Vulcan on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g. my Crawford 266/2 here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-166897 ). Some have noted a pellet, resembling a coin, on some dies between the anvil and “punch die”. I believe these pellets are merely central compass points used by the die engravers which are exposed on some dies.
2 commentsCarausius01/01/21 at 13:22Nemonater: Very nice! I’ve wanted one of these for a long tim...

Crawford 477/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 45-44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm; 8h).
Spanish Mint.

Obverse: SEX MAG[N-IMP] SAL; bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right.

Reverse: PIETA[S]; Pietas facing left, holding palm and transverse scepter.

References: Crawford 477/1b; HCRI 232a; Sydenham 1042 (R7); BMCRR Spain 93; Pompeia 18; RBW 1670 (this coin).

Provenance: NAC 120 (6-7 Oct 2020) Lot 626; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012) Lot 441]; Munzen und Medaillen FPL 511 (1988), Lot 62.

Likely struck in Spain after Caesar departed following his victory at Munda over the Pompeian forces led by Sextus’ brother Gnaeus, this was Sextus Pompey’s first coinage and was used to assemble forces and ships to resurrect the Pompeian cause. There is uncertainty whether this issue occurred before or after Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March in 44 BCE; with Sear suggesting Sextus may have felt more comfortable issuing coins after the assassination. The use of Pompey the Great’s head and imagery relating to Sextus’ pious devotion to his father’s cause were common devices on Sextus’ coinage until his eventual downfall.

This is one of the rarities of the Imperatorial series, with Schaefer’s Roman Republican Die Study including only 7 obverse dies (for 2 varieties) and 10 reverse dies. There is a known obverse die link to a coin of Sextus’ elder brother, Gnaeus, used to strike coins before Munda. This coin is likely the earlier of the two obverse varieties as it omits the name “Pius” which Sextus later adopted. Many of the issues with the obverse of this coin are die damage – including the flatness to the head and the die break before the forehead.

There is dispute as to the meaning of SAL on the obverse. David Sear believes it is part of legend (possibly an abbreviation of salutatus), while Crawford thinks it is a mintmark of Salpensa in Spain.
2 commentsCarausius12/10/20 at 03:39quadrans: Nice piece 👍

Crawford 513/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Arrius Secundus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Arrius Secundus. 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: M. ARRIVS - SECVNDVS; bare head, with slight beard, facing right.

Reverse: Victory honors - wreath, spear and phalera.

References: Crawford 513/2; HCRI 319; Sydenham 1084; BMCRR 4210; Arria 2; G. Lahusen, Die Bildnismunzen Der Romischen Republik, pl. 63, nos. 12 and 16 (this coin illustrated twice).

Provenance: Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019) Lot 134; Munzen und Medaillen XIX (5-6 Jun 1959) Lot 172; Munzhandlung Basel 10 (15 Mar 1938) Lot 486.

M. Arrius Secundus was likely son of Quintus Arrius, who had a victory in the Servile War against one of Spartacus’ lieutenants, but subsequently lost a battle to Spartacus himself. He was the only member of his gens to strike coins, and not much else is known about him.

The slightly-bearded, obverse portrait, while probably depicting the moneyer’s father, Quintus Arrius, also bears a striking resemblance to contemporaneous portraits of Octavian. However, without any inscription naming Caesar, a positive identification of the portrait remains debated by scholars. David Sear suggests that the portrait is deliberately ambiguous, as the political and military climate was very risky and the moneyer likely wanted plausible deniability that the portrait was Octavian. The reverse shows awards of victory granted to the moneyer’s father for his Servile War victory: a laurel wreath, golden spear and phalera (a military decoration attached to a harness and worn over a cuirass).
3 commentsCarausius08/15/20 at 22:11Molinari: Well done!

RIC 264, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 19mm).
Italian Mint, ca. 30 BCE.

Obverse: Victory standing on prow holding wreath and palm, facing right.

Reverse: Octavian, holding branch, in slow triumphal quadriga advancing right; IMP CAESAR in exergue.

References: HCRI 416; RIC 264; BMCRR 4343; Julia 154.

Provenance: Ex NAC Spring 2020 Sale (25 May 2020) Lot 761; UBS 78 (2008) Lot 1232; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 6 (18 Mar 1936) Lot 1514.

Following the defeat of Antony by Octavian and Agrippa at Actium, Octavian was undisputed leader of the Mediterranean world. By 30 BCE, Octavian had taken complete control of Egypt and the Ptolemaic treasury. The Ptolemaic treasury provided the silver with which Octavian would strike much of his IMP CAESAR coinage of this period both to pay-off his retiring legionary veterans and to fund celebrations in Rome. The obverse of this coin, with Victory standing on a ship’s prow, clearly celebrates the naval victory at Actium. The reverse may depict Octavian’s triumphal entrance into Alexandria. A similar type with CAESAR DIVI F legend was struck in much smaller quantities, likely before the Ptolemaic bullion was moved to Rome.
2 commentsCarausius07/25/20 at 11:06Pharsalos: Beautiful example with a great provenance. Great d...

Crawford 497/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.96g; 21mm).
Military Mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CAESAR·III-VIR·R·P·C; Bare head of Octavian with slight beard, facing right.

Reverse: Curule chair with legs decorated by eagles and wreath on empty seat; inscribed C[ÆS](AR) [•DIC •PE]R.

References: Crawford 497/2a; HCRI 137; Sydenham 1322; BMCRR Gaul 76; Banti-Simonetti 386 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex John L. Cowan Collection [CNG eSale 469 (Jun 2020) Lot 351]; acquired from Pegasi (6/8/2013); CNG Triton XVI (2013) Lot 968; Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection [Rauch 83 (2008), Lot 170]; Kunker 124 (2007) Lot 8562; L. Simonetti Collection [Banti-Simonetti (1974) 386]; Hess-Leu Auction 41 (24-5 Apr 1969), Lot 68.

Octavian is depicted with a beard of mourning for Julius Caesar, which he would not shave until Brutus and Cassius were defeated at Philippi later in the year. While the obverse visually reflects Octavian’s personal status as the mourning, adopted son and heir of the recently deified Julius, the obverse inscription highlights his new political status as a member of the triumvirate with Antony and Lepidus. The reverse honors Julius Caesar by referencing his Senatorial appointment as dictator for life and showing a memorial wreath on the curule chair representing Caesar’s imperium. Curule chairs were symbols of political and/or military power in the Roman Republic, perhaps originating from the folding campaign stool of a general, and also derived from the Etruscan kings who dispensed justice from a seat in the royal chariot (“currus”). In the Republic, only high-level magistrates would use curule chairs, including consuls, praetors and certain aediles (so-called “curule aediles”).
1 commentsCarausius07/01/20 at 07:23quadrans: Nice 😉

Crawford 480/21, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, P. Sepullius Macer, AR DenariusRome, Moneyers of the Imperatorial Period.
P. Sepullius Macer, 44 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.15g; 18mm).
Rome Mint, April-May 44 BCE.

Obverse: CLEMENTIAE CAESAREIS; Tetrastyle temple with globe in pediment.

Reverse: Desultor wearing conical cap and holding reins and whip, galloping left with 2 horses, palm branch and wreath behind; P SEPVLLIVS above; MACER below.

References: Crawford 480/21; Sear, HCRI 110; Sydenham 1076 (R6); BMCRR 4176-7; Julia 52; Alföldi, Caesar in 44 BC, plate 148-1 (this coin illustrated); FFC 42 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Heritage 3083 (24 Apr 2020), Lot 30103; Jose Fernandez Molina Collection a/k/a Alba Longa Collection [Aureo & Calico 339 (14 Nov 2019), Lot 1043]; Leo Benz Collection [Lanz 88 (23 Nov 1998), Lot 782]; Auctiones (12 Jun 1979), Lot 467; Munzen und Medaillen Auction XXVIII (19 Jun 1964), Lot 239.

Reverse die links to Crawford 480/22 (see my example in this Gallery at https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-145227 ), identify this type as one of the earliest issued after Caesar’s assassination, when Antony tried to assert control of Rome. The type is scarce, with Crawford reporting only 5 obverse and 6 reverse dies, and this coin has a rare obverse die with CAESAREIS rather than CAESARIS. Julius Caesar was well known for offering clemency toward his vanquished rivals throughout his career, including toward many of his assassins who sided with Pompey during the Civil War. The obverse of this coin refers to the temple to Caesar’s mercy that the Senate had authorized shortly before the Ides of March. The temple is depicted with minimal special detail because it had certainly not been constructed and possibly not even designed by the time this coin was struck. Some historians believe the temple was never constructed because Octavian (later Augustus), who did not share his uncle’s predilection for clemency toward enemies, did not wish the temple to become a source for unfavorable comparisons. The desultor on the reverse alludes to the Parilian games held in April 44 BCE, after the assassination, in honor of Caesar’s victory at Munda. Desultors were equestrian acrobats who thrilled crowds at the games by leaping from one horse to another at full gallop.
1 commentsCarausius05/25/20 at 10:04*Alex: Nice.

Crawford 463/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Cordius Rufus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Cordius Rufus, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.55g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Crested Corinthian helmet facing right, with owl perched on crest; RVFVS behind.

Reverse: MN·CORDIVS; aegis with head of Medusa.

Reference: Crawford 463/2; HCRI 64; Sydenham 978; BMCRR 4042; Cordia 4.

Provenance: Ex Jack Frazer Collection [Triton XXIII (14 Jan 2020) Lot 603]; CNG 64 (24 Sep 2003) Lot 827.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the large output by the moneyers Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to the legionaries. The coinage of this year often alludes to Caesar, rather than the moneyer’s family. On this coin, we see references to Minerva (the helmet, owl and aegis being among her attributes), the Roman goddess of strategic warfare, which likely related to Caesar’s military triumphs.

M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
5 commentsCarausius04/24/20 at 15:06Anaximander: What an unusual design. Delightful!

Crawford 511/3, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, Summer 42-40 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Sicilian Mint (Catana?).

Obverse: MAG·PIVS·IMP·ITER; bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right, flanked by jug and lituus.

Reverse: PRAEF/CLAS·ET·ORAE/MARIT·EX·S·C; Neptune standing left with foot on prow and holding aplustre, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders.

References: Crawford 511/3a; HCRI 334; Sydenham 1344 (R4); BMCRR (Sicily) 7; Pompeia 27.

Provenance: Ex Phil Peck ("Morris") Collection [Heritage 61151(26 Jan 2020) Lot 97155]; Professor Angelo Signorelli Collection [P&P Santamaria (4 Jun 1952) Lot 732].

Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, Sextus was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus Classis et Orae Maritimae), which title is abbreviated on the reverse of this coin. Near the same time, Cicero recommended him for augurship; however, Sextus would not actually received augurship until after the Pact of Misenum in 39 BCE. Instead, shortly following the Senate’s designation of Sextus as Commander, the Second Triumvirate was formed and they placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily with his fleet where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. In 42 BCE, Octavian sent Salvidienus Rufus to dislodge Sextus, but Rufus was defeated. It was likely between this defeat of Rufus and the Pact of Misenum with the Triumvirs (39 BCE) that Sextus struck much of his coinage, including this type.

Piety, or devotion, was an important character trait to the Romans on multiple levels including devotion to parents and family; devotion to the state; and devotion to the gods. The surname “Pius” was adopted by Sextus in recognition of his dutiful continuation of the struggle of his father in support of the Republic, and this notion of piety is strongly depicted on Sextus’ coinage. The obverse of this coin shows Pompey the Great, reflecting Sextus’ devotion to his father’s memory. Pompey’s head is flanked by symbols of the augurate, perhaps alluding to both Sextus’ claim to the augurate following Cicero’s recommendation and Sextus’ devotion to the gods. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune is prominently displayed at the center of the reverse. The reverse also depicts the Catanean brothers of Sicilian myth, Amphinomus and Anapias, helping their elderly parents escape the deadly lava flow of Mount Etna. Representing devoted children, the Catanean brothers may be allegorical references to Sextus’ surname “Pius”, or an indication of the Sicilian city (Catana) in which this issue may have been struck, or both.

This is a particularly complete example of this difficult type which frequently comes off-struck or on small flans.

8 commentsCarausius02/18/20 at 20:05okidoki: nice party on the reverse

Crawford 517/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and M. Nerva, 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.69g; 20mm).
Ephesus mint.

Obverse: M·ANT·IMP·AVG·III·VIR· R·P·CM·NERVAPROQ·P; bare head of Marc Antony, facing right.

Reverse: L·ANTONIVS – COS; bare head of Lucius Antony, facing right.

References: Crawford 517/5a; HCRI 246; Sydenham 1185; BMCRR (East) 107; Antonia 48; Banti & Simonetti 3 (this coin illustrated)

Provenance: Ex Private Japanese Collection [Heritage 3081 (12 Jan 2020) Lot 30157]; Heritage 3030 (5 Jan 2014) Lot 23911; Stack's (14 Jun 1971) Lot 332; Valentine John Eustace Ryan (d. 1947) Collection [Glendining (2 Apr 1952) Lot 1932].

This coin was struck in Ephesus by Marc Antony and the pro quaestor M. Cocceius Nerva (ancestor of the Emperor Nerva) during the year of Lucius Antony’s consulship. Lucius Antony was Marc Antony’s younger brother and supporter. During Lucius’ time as consul, Octavian was in the process of allotting confiscated land throughout Italy to army veterans. In response to the unpopular policy, Lucius Antony conspired with Marc Antony’s wife, Fulvia, to defend cities and landowners against Octavian’s confiscations. Lucius and Fulvia expected Marc Antony’s Gallic colleagues to support their efforts, but such support never materialized. As a result, Octavian besieged them at Perusia, where they were hunkering-down, and they eventually capitulated. Octavian pardoned them, rather than risk incurring Marc Antony’s wrath. Lucius was made governor of Spain where he eventually died.

The portraiture of the brothers Antony on this coin are quite distinct, and likely veristic; Lucius being depicted with a bald pate and a more aquiline nose compared to his elder brother.

4 commentsCarausius02/18/20 at 05:02Jay GT4: Poor Lucius.

Crawford 463/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Cordius Rufus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Cordius Rufus, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.55g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Crested Corinthian helmet facing right, with owl perched on crest; RVFVS behind.

Reverse: MN·CORDIVS; aegis with head of Medusa.

Reference: Crawford 463/2; HCRI 64; Sydenham 978; BMCRR 4042; Cordia 4.

Provenance: Ex Jack Frazer Collection [Triton XXIII (14 Jan 2020) Lot 603]; CNG 64 (24 Sep 2003) Lot 827.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the large output by the moneyers Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to the legionaries. The coinage of this year often alludes to Caesar, rather than the moneyer’s family. On this coin, we see references to Minerva (the helmet, owl and aegis being among her attributes), the Roman goddess of strategic warfare, which likely related to Caesar’s military triumphs.

M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
5 commentsCarausius02/14/20 at 03:55Jay GT4: I've always liked this type

Crawford 505/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Cassius and M. Servilius, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
C. Cassius and M. Servilius, Summer 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm).
Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius (likely Sardis).

Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP; laureate head of Libertas, facing right.

Reverse: M·SERVILIVS - LEG; aplustre with branches terminating in flowers.

References: Crawford 505/2; HCRI 225; Sydenham 1312 (R7); BMCRR (East) 83; Cassia 21; Servilia 42.

Provenance: Stack's (17 Jan 2020) Lot 20084; Edward J. Waddell e-Sale (1990s) Lot 42; R. Ratto FPL IX (1933) Lot 1057; Valerio Traverso Collection [M. Baranowsky (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1270]; R. Ratto FPL (1927) Lot 625; Leo Hamburger Auction (27 Nov 1922), Lot 61; Johann Horsky Collection [A. Hess (30 Apr 1917) Lot 2600].

This rare type comprised part of the final series of coins struck in the name of Cassius, lead conspirator against Julius Caesar, probably at Sardis in Summer, 42 BCE. It celebrates Cassius’ victory over the fleet of Rhodes in the waters off Kos. The aplustre, an ornamental stern of a Roman galley, is symbolic of Cassius’ naval victory, and the floriate branches (roses) may refer to Rhodes. Shortly after his victory over the Rhodians, Cassius met-up with his co-conspirator Brutus in Sardis, where this coin was likely struck. Within just a few months of producing this coin, Cassius’ troops were defeated by Antony at Philippi and he committed suicide on his own birthday, 3 October 42 BCE. Marcus Servilius struck this final coinage on behalf of Cassius. Servilius was tribune in 44 BCE and was respected by Cicero. After Caesar’s assassination, he served in the east as a Legate under both Cassius and Brutus, and he struck coins for both men. He was likely related to Brutus, whose mother’s name was Servilia. Legates were staff members of military commanders, on whose recommendation they were appointed by the Senate. Legates often served as deputies for their commanders, but practically exercised no independent authority. For example, a Legate had no independent authority to strike coinage, and did so based solely on the imperium of the commander for whom he served – thus we see the names of both the Legate and his commander on this coin.
2 commentsCarausius02/04/20 at 02:15PMah: Quite seldom seen.

Crawford 494/32, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and C. Vibius Varus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.78g; 20mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: Bare head of Antony with mourning beard, facing right.

Reverse: Fortuna facing left, holding Victory and cornucopia; flanked by C*VIBIVS - VARVS

References: Crawford 494/32; HCRI 149; Sydenham 1144; BMCRR 4293; Vibia 29; Antonia 26

Provenance: Ex JD Collection [NAC Auction 72 (16 May 2013), Lot 1265]; UBS Auction 78 (9 Sep 2008) Lot 1136; acquired from Hubert Herzfelder (d. Mar 1963).

This, one of the finest depictions of Antony on Roman coinage, depicts him with a beard of mourning for Julius Caesar. Antony and Octavian would wear such beards until the Liberators were defeated at Philippi later in 42 BCE. The moneyer, Varus, also struck similar coins for Octavian, though on a much smaller scale. Because of similar style on a later military mint issue by Antony, some scholars postulate that Antony so loved his portrait on the above coin type that he drafted the die engraver into his military mint.

The reverse alludes to the expectation of good fortune and victory for the Triumvirs over the Liberators.
1 commentsCarausius12/06/19 at 13:47Mat: Very nice coin!

Crawford 450/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, D. Junius Brutus Albinus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
D. Junius Brutus Albinus, 48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Pietas facing right, her hair tied-up in a knot, wearing necklace and cruciform earing; PIETAS behind.

Reverse: Two hands clasping caduceus; ALBINVS·BRVTI·F, below.

References: Crawford 450/2; HCRI 26; Sydenham 942; BMCRR 3964; Postumia 10.

Provenance: Ex Goldberg 80 (3 Jun 2014), Lot 3067; Jacob K. Stein Collection [Gemini V (6 Jan 2009) Lot 246]; displayed at Cincinnati Art Museum, 1994-2008, no. 138.

Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, not to be confused with his cousin, Marcus Brutus, lived on a similar trajectory to his cousin. He was first close with Julius Caesar, having served in the Gallic Wars and on Caesar’s side in the civil war against Pompey. Eventually, Albinus joined the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. After the assassination, the Senate gave him control of Cisalpine Gaul where he came under assault by Antony who wanted control of the province. Albinus was killed by Gauls while trying to escape to Macedonia to join the other Liberators. This coin type was struck during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey when Albinus sided with Caesar. The reverse type, with its symbols of concord, alludes to Caesar’s policy of reconciliation during the war.

This particular example was part of a 182-coin exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum from 1994-2008. The intense, rainbow toning on the reverse can perhaps be attributed to the reverse being the “display” side during that 14-year museum run.

1 commentsCarausius12/06/19 at 00:39Jay GT4: Great toning and provenance

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.

Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
9 commentsCarausius11/03/19 at 15:57Norbert: great coin & pedigree. Congrats

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.

Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
9 commentsCarausius10/19/19 at 14:52Steve P: Wow, that coin is deadly! (congrats, my coin-frien...

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.

Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
9 commentsCarausius10/12/19 at 19:44quadrans: Great piece ..I like it.. Smile

Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.

Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.

Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.

References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.

Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.

Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.

The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
9 commentsCarausius10/09/19 at 15:39*Alex: Excellent. Nice addition to your gallery.

Crawford 495/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Octavian, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.70g; 20mm).
Military Mint in Italy.

Obverse: LEPIDVS· PONT· MAX· III· V· R· P· C; bare head of Lepidus facing right.

Reverse: C· CAESAR· IMP· III· VIR· R ·P· C; bare head of Octavian facing right.

References: Crawford 495/2d; HCRI 140a; Sydenham 1323var (rev legend); Aemilia 35var (rev legend); BMCRR (Africa) 29-31var (rev legend); Banti & Simonetti 7 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 8 (30 Jun 2019) Lot 949; Bank Leu 7 (9 May 1973) Lot 317; Valerio Traverso Collection [Michelle Baranowsky Auction (25 Feb 1931) Lot 1273]; Joseph Martini Collection [Rodolfo Ratto Auction (24 Feb 1930) Lot 1334]; Rodolfo Ratto Fixed Price List (1927) Lot 629; Dr. Bonazzi Collection a/k/a Riche Collection [Rodolfo Ratto Auction (23 Jan 1924) Lot 1352].

This reverse die differs from most of this denarius issue in that the inscription begins with the initial “C” for Octavian's first name (Caius), while the remainder of the issue begins, simply, "CAESAR." The coins appear to celebrate the formation of the Second Triumvirate, although it is unclear why Lepidus did not also strike coins with Antony’s portrait.

This particular example appeared in a remarkable number of important Roman Republican coin sales between 1924-1931, including sales of the collections of Dr. Bonazzi and Joseph Martini.
4 commentsCarausius09/28/19 at 10:02David Atherton: Incredible coin!

Crawford 533/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius. 43 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.07g; 18mm).
Military mint in Athens, Summer 38 BCE.

Obverse: M ANTONIVS M F M N AVGVR IMP TER; Antony in the priestly robes of an augur, standing right and holding lituus.

Reverse: III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT; Radiate head of Sol facing right.

References: Crawford 533/2; HCRI 267; Sydenham 1199; BMCRR (East) 141; Antonia 80.

Provenance: Ex Kentfield Collection [Heritage Auction 3067 (9 Jun 2018) Lot 33340]; Valerio Traverso Collection [Michele Baranowsky Auction (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1274].

In 50 BCE, Antony was appointed to the College of Augurs, an important group whose job was divining the will of the gods by interpreting auspices (birds and such) and providing advice based on these divinations. Antony was particularly proud of this appointment and referred to it frequently on his coinage, perhaps as a means of highlighting his traditional republican sensibilities. On this coin, he is depicted in full augur regalia. Sol on the reverse is a reference to The East, which Antony controlled per the renewal of the Second Triumvirate several months earlier. The inscriptions reference his augurship, second imperatorial acclamation, and designated second and third consulships. The coin was likely struck in Athens where Antony and Octavia were living after their marriage.
2 commentsCarausius09/28/19 at 10:01David Atherton: Stunning!

Crawford 488/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius. 43 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.19g; 19mm).
Military mint in Cisalpine Gaul.

Obverse: M.A[NTON IMP RPC]; Antony's bare, bearded head facing right; lituus behind.

Reverse: CAESAR DIC; Laureate head of Julius Caesar facing right; jug behind.

References: Crawford 488/2; HCRI 123; Sydenham 1166; BMCRR (Gaul) 55; Antonia 5-6.

Provenance: Ex Roma E-Live Auction 1 (25-6 Jul 2018) Lot 531; Bernard Poindessault Collection [Oger-Blanchet (17 Nov 2017) Lot 148]; Edouard Schott Collection [E. Bourgey (21 Mar 1972) Lot 337].

This is one of Antony’s earliest issues following the creation of the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus. The titulature "RPC" (tip of "C" just barely visible beneath Antony’s portrait on this specimen) reflects the new status. Antony is depicted with a slight beard of mourning, as is Octavian on his coins until the defeat of the Tyrannicides at Philippi the following year. Both Antony and Caesar have symbols of the augurate behind their portraits, as both were members of the college of augurs, and this served to highlight their common bond. The somewhat comical portrait style is reflective of the military mint, with limited die engraver talent.
1 commentsCarausius07/07/19 at 17:49Jay GT4: Outstanding! Wish mine was this nice

Crawford 544/18, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Antony Legion V DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.79g; 19mm).
Military Mint traveling with Antony, 32-1 BCE.

Obverse: ANT AVG III VIR R P C; galley facing right.

Reverse: LEG V; Aquilia between two standards.

References: Crawford 544/18; HCRI 354; Sydenham 1221; BMCRR (East) 196; Banti 75 (this coin); Antonia 110.

Provenance: Ex Kress 109 (24-25 Oct 1958), Lot 749.

Produced by Antony in the lead-up to his final defeat at Actium by Octavian’s navy (commanded by Agrippa), the legionary series was a huge issue that recognized 23 legions under Antony’s command. These coins would continue to circulate throughout the Empire for several centuries after Antony’s loss, partly because their notoriously debased silver discouraged hoarding. Thirty-seven examples of the LEG V variety appeared in the 1905 Delos hoard of 604 Antony Legionary denarii, making it one of the most common varieties of the series. However, an example with a verifiable old provenance, such as this coin, is quite rare.
2 commentsCarausius07/07/19 at 14:52Norbert: great coin & pedigree. Congrats

RIC 266, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 20mm).
Italian Mint, Summer 30-29 BCE.

Obverse: Octavian’s bare head, facing right.

Reverse: Roman Senate House; IMP CAESAR on architrave.

References: RIC 266; HCRI 421; BMCRR 4358; Julia 161.

Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3063 (16 Jan 2018) Lot 33381; Spink Num. Circ. Vol LXXVIII, No. 6 (June 1970), inv. #6871, pl. 11.

The coin celebrates the dedication of the Curia Julia, a new meeting house for the Roman Senate, construction of which was commenced under Julius Caesar and completed by Octavian circa 29 BCE. Julius Caesar was assassinated at the Theater of Pompey where the Senate was meeting while construction of this new Senate house was underway. It is both ironic and politically astute that Octavian should commemorate this new Senate house on a coin, given that his hold on power made the Senate effectively irrelevant. The structure still stands today, having been restored through the imperial period and later converted to a church.
3 commentsCarausius06/14/19 at 16:18kc: Wow, a great example!

Crawford 500/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Cassius, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
C. Cassius Longinus. 44-42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.38g; 20mm).
Military Mint in Smyrna.

Obverse: C. CASSI – IMP; tripod with cauldron and laurel fillets.

Reverse: LENTVLVS SPINT; jug and lituus.

References: Crawford 500/1; HCRI 219; Sydenham 1308; BMCRR (East) 79; Cassia 14.

Provenance: Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019) Lot 121; P&P Santamaria (4 May 1961) Lot 168.

This coin was struck for Cassius, one of the chief assassins of Julius Caesar, when Brutus and Cassius met in Smyrna, circa early 42 BCE. The tripod obverse type was borrowed from a slightly earlier Aureus produced for Cassius by his legate, M. Aquinus. The tripod may reference Cassius’ membership in one of the sacred colleges. Cassius was elected to the augurate in 57 BCE, to which the implements on the reverse of this coin certainly allude. The coin was produced on Cassius’ behalf by P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, who also produced coins for Brutus at the same time. For more information on Spinther, see my example of his Brutus denarius at: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-145289

Until the discovery of a large, mint-state, hoard in the early 2000’s, this was one of the rarest types in the Roman Republican series. While recent hoard examples of the type are scarce, old provenanced examples, like this, remain extremely rare.
2 commentsCarausius06/14/19 at 12:30Tracy Aiello: wow, that is an outstanding coin.

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