Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Last comments

RIC 1431 Vespasian CountermarkedAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD; Countermarked under Vespasian at Ephesus, circa 74-79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; c/m: IMP·VES (ligate)
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1431 (C). BMC 457. RSC 276. RPC 833 (14 spec.). BNC 352; c/m: GIC 839
Acquired from Ancient Imports, November 2016.

In the mid to late 70's AD, Ephesus stamped older, worn Republican and early Imperial denarii circulating in the region with the IMP·VES countermark. Here is an exceptionally rare appearance of that Vespasian countermark on a denarius struck for Vespasian. I know of less than half a dozen other Vespasianic denarii similarly stamped. Of course the coin does not require any such countermark, therefore it is a remarkable mint error. The terminus post quem for the countermarking is 74, based on the discovery of another Vespasian countermarked Ephesian denarius dated COS IIII (CNG 78, lot 1753). RPC speculates that these countermarked coins represent a later 'issue' of silver from Ephesus struck sometime after 74 and before Vespasian's death in 79.

The mint workers applying the countermark were kind enough not to obliterate the portrait. 7 commentsDavid Atherton07/12/19 at 18:50quadrans: Interesting piece..

Crawford 041/10, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Post Semi-Libral AE UnciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Post Semi-libral Series), 215-212 BCE.
AE Uncia (7.87g; 24mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; pellet (mark-of-value) behind.

Reverse: Prow facing right; ROMA above; pellet (mark-of-value) below.

References: Crawford 41/10; McCabe Group A1; RBW 135.

Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 10 (18 Jun 2019) Lot 12.

This series is the second of the “prow” struck bronze series. It is most easily recognized by the left side of the prow device which has a clearly delineated edge, while on later series the left side of the prow appears to extend off the side of the coin. The series was issued during the Second Punic War and reflects the continued reduction in weight standard of the Roman bronze coinage during the conflict; this issue having occurred on the heels of the “semi-libral reduction” of 217-215 BCE. It would soon be followed by further weight reductions.
2 commentsCarausius07/12/19 at 12:23Jay GT4: I like that prow

Crawford 148/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Marius, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Q. Marius, 189-180 BCE.
AE As (31.17g; 32mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Janus; I (mark of value) above.

Reverse: Prow facing right; Q.MARI above; I (mark of value) to right; ROMA below.

References: Crawford 148/1; Sydenham 367 (R7); BMCRR 822; Maria 1.

Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 10 (18 Jun 2019) Lot 22; Bombarda Collection; NAC 9 (16 Apr 1996) Lot 587.

This is a particularly fine example of this scarce type. Not much is known of the moneyer beyond his coins. He is likely NOT an ancestor of Gaius Marius who would later serve seven consulships and challenge Sulla.
1 commentsCarausius07/12/19 at 03:21Jay GT4: That's great!

RIC 0791 Domitian denariusIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP XV
Laureate head right

IMP XXII COS XVII CENS PPP
Minerva, winged, flying left with spear and shield

Rome September 14, 95 AD-September 13, 96 CE

3.15g

RIC 791 (C)

Ex-Savoca 21st Blue Auction lot 10606 commentsJay GT407/12/19 at 02:54Nemonater: Nice!

SPHINX COLLAGE bTop row: Ionia, Chios; Ionia, Chios; Ionia, Chios
Middle row: Spain, Castulo; Caria, Canus; Troas, Gergis
Bottom row: Troas, Gergis; Ionia, Chios; Egypt, Alexandria (A. Pius); Sicily, Himera 1 commentslaney07/11/19 at 16:39shanxi: nice collection

PROBUS RIC 861 H2 BUST OFFICINA 1OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG
REVERSE: SOLI INVICTO
BUST TYPE: H2 = radiate bust left in consular robe, holding eagle-tipped sceptre (scipio)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//KAA
WEIGHT 4.03g / AXIS: 1h
RIC: 861
COLLECTION NO. 1402

Note: Superbe strike and quality of details, especially on reverse. Virtually as struck and stunning! 2 commentsBarnaba607/11/19 at 12:16Barnaba6: Thanks Jay!

ALFOLDI 041.062OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
REVERSE: PAX AVG
BUST TYPE: F5 = Radiate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIV
WEIGHT 5.08g / AXIS: 12h
RIC 709 VAR. (UNLISTED WITH XXIV MINTMARK)
ALFOLDI 041.062 (1 EX.)
COLLECTION NO. 1401

Note: scarce bust type1 commentsBarnaba607/11/19 at 12:07Jay GT4: I like it

ALFOLDI 085.002OBVERSE: IMP[erator] PROBVS INV[ictvs] AVG[vstvs]
REVERSE: SPES AVG[vsti] N[ostri]
BUST TYPE: E2 VAR.= Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed and draped bust left, holding spear and shield (decorated with Gorgoneion), seen from rear
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXI
WEIGHT 3.72g / AXIS: 12h
RIC 790
ALFOLDI 085.002 (2 EX.)
COLLECTION NO. 1405

Ex Ph. Gysen collection = EX JACQUIER auction 45 lot 1517

NOTE: Extremely rare and desirable bust type with a very interesting shield decorated with Gorgoneion in combination with a rare reverse type struck only during the 2nd emmission at Siscia.
3 commentsBarnaba607/11/19 at 12:06Jay GT4: Great portrait and helmet

ALFOLDI 029.001OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
REVERSE: FELICITAS AVG
BUST TYPE: A2 = Radiate, cuirassed and draped bust right, seen from back
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/Γ//XXI
WEIGHT 3.75g / AXIS: 12h
RIC 680
ALFOLDI 029.001 (4 EX.)
COLLECTION NO. 1403

NOTE: Very rare and sought-after variant of the Felicitas Avg reverse with Felicitas holding a short caduceus and a long sceptre - Alfoldi type no. 29 (by far the rarest of the 4 Felicitas variants described by Alfoldi).
2 commentsBarnaba607/11/19 at 10:33Barnaba6: Thanks okidoki!

SAECVLARES AVGG VIPhilippus I. antoninianus
Rome mint
very rare1 commentsTibsi07/10/19 at 15:24Callimachus: Beautiful coin.

Bithynia, Kios, (cc. 350-300 B.C.), AR-Hemidrachm, SNG Cop 370, ΔΙΑΣ, Prow of galley left, #1Bithynia, Kios, (cc. 350-300 B.C.), AR-Hemidrachm, SNG Cop 370, ΔΙΑΣ, Prow of galley left, #1
avers: Laureate head of Apollo right.
reverse: MIΛH-TOΣ, Prow of galley left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 12,5-13,5mm, weight: 2,25g, axis: 11h,
mint: Bithynia, Kios, date: cc. 350-300 B.C., ref: SNG Cop 370, BMC 6, RecGen 3.14
Q-0011 commentsquadrans07/10/19 at 11:26Jay GT4: It's OK Q Cool

Sikyon, Sikyonia330-280 B.C.
Silver Hemidrachm (or Triobol)
2.67 gm, 16.3 mm
Obv.: Chimaera standing left, right forepaw raised; ΣI beneath
Rev.: Dove flying left; ΔI in field to right.
HGC 5, 213; SNGuk_0300_2338;
BMC 112 var. (initials); Sear 2767 var. (intials);
[SNG Copenhagen 61; BCD Peloponnesos 299]

NGC certified (94282063-009 Ch VF), but removed from holder.
4 commentsJaimelai07/09/19 at 23:43Jaimelai: Thanks, been looking for one of these for a while.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 4.23 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Dated SE 169 (144/3 BC). Radiate and diademed head right / Apollo, testing arrow and resting hand on bow, seated left on omphalos; Î¦ between Apollo’s feet, [Î˜]ÎžP (date) and Î£T[A] in exergue. SC 2002.1a; HGC 9, 1036a; DCA 182. Beautifully toned and lustrous.1 commentsMark R107/09/19 at 17:27quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

Probus, Antoninianus, SALVS AVG, XXIVAE Antoninianus
Probus
Augustus: 276 - 282AD
Issued: 280AD
21.5mm 3.30gr 6h
O: IMP PROBVS PF AVG; Helmeted, radiate and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield with dots in design in left hand.
R: SALVS AVG; Salus, standing right, feeding snake in right hand from patera in left.
Exergue: XXIV, below line.
Siscia Mint
RIC V-2 Siscia 748, XXIV; Alfoldi 65 #48.
Aorta: B15, O79, R141, T19, M6.
master-numismatics/Marisa Andresevic 153393291318
3/3/19 7/5/192 commentsNicholas Z07/09/19 at 14:01Barnaba6: the coin is Alfoldi 65, #48 precisely, not variati...

Probus, Antoninianus, SOLI INVICTO, XXIVAE Antoninianus
Probus
Augustus: 276 - 282AD
Issued: 277AD
25.0 x 23.0mm 3.86gr 0h
O: IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG; Radiate, mantled bust right, holding eagle-tipped scepter.
R: SOLI INVICTO; Sol driving quadriga left, whip in raised right hand.
Exergue: XXIV
Siscia Mint
RIC V-2 Siscia 767; Sear 12042; Alfoldi 76, #149.
Aorta: B55, O38, R155, T135, M6.
fvrivs.rvfvs/Jeremy Mancevice 352641478257
6/19/19 7/6/191 commentsNicholas Z07/09/19 at 13:51Barnaba6: The coin is listed in RIC under no. 767; the corre...

Probus, Antoninianus, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, XXIVIAE Antoninianus
Probus
Augustus: 276 - 282AD
Issued: 278AD
22.0 x 20.0mm 2.97gr 6h
O: IMP CM AVR PROBVS P-F AVG; Radiate, cuirassed bust left, carrying shield and spear over right shoulder.
R: VIRTVS P-ROBI AVG; Mars advancing right, holding long spear and trophy.
Exergue: XXIVI, below line.
Siscia Mint
RIC V-2 Siscia 810, XXIVI; Sear 12071; Alfoldi 96, #215.
Aorta: B65, 038, R195, T41, M6.
fvrivs.rvfvs/Jeremy Mancevice 273832257126
6/19/19 7/6/192 commentsNicholas Z07/09/19 at 13:46Barnaba6: nice coin! but the correct Alfoldi attribution is ...

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC.CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.48 g, 9h). Warrior on horseback right, holding shield and spear; DI above; APO[LL/WNIOS] in two lines below / Phalanthos riding dolphin left, head facing with flowing chlamys around left arm, holding trident in right hand; crowning Nike to left; waves below. Vlasto 894-898; HN Italy 1038. Lustrous4 commentsMark R107/09/19 at 12:28Mark R1: Thanks Jay. I’m glad you like it.

PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR TetradrachmKINGS of PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26 mm, 12.62 g, 8h). Lustrous EF. Damastion mint(?). Laureate head of Apollo right / Warrior on horse rearing right, spearing enemy warrior who defends with shield and spear. Paeonian Hoard 434. Superb EF with unusually well struck up types. Irregular flan (not clipped or cut1 commentsMark R107/09/19 at 03:12Jay GT4: Fantastic reverse and I like the effect of the dou...

Vespasian / Shield Within Wreath RIC 1393Vespasian; 69-79 AD, Ephesus, c. 69-70 AD, Denarius, 2.80g.
O: IMP CAES - VESPAS AVG Head laureate r.; on neck rectangular countermark IMP VES with IMP and VE ligate (Howgego-839).
R: AVG on round shield within oak wreath; rectangular countermark IMP VES with IMP and VE ligate.

Extremely rare, apparently the second recorded specimen, the first having appeared in Schenk-Behrens 76, 26 Nov. 1998, lot 186, as reported but not illustrated by RIC-1393.

This coin is exceptional in three additional ways. First, Roman denarii are virtually never countermarked, with the exception of the IMPVES under Vespasian. Second, it is extremely rare for a coin of Vespasian to be countermarked by Vespasian. Third, I believe this is the only example of a Vespasian denarius mistakenly countermarked not just once, but twice!

The attribution of this reverse type to Ephesus, suggested by the use on later marked coins of that mint of a simplified version of the same type, AVG within oak wreath but without the shield, is confirmed by the countermark of Vespasian on this specimen, since the few Flavian denarii known to have been marked with that countermark are all coins of the Ephesus mint.5 commentsNemonater07/08/19 at 19:59orfew: Wonderful piece. Well done!

Roman Empire, Herennius Etruscus 249-250ADHerennius Etruscus 249-250AD
Silver Antoninianus
Clasped Hands reverse
Click for larger image，you could see the fingernail~
20mm, 3.87g
Ex silbury 2019
1 commentsXLi07/08/19 at 17:31quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

00099 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, round curl to the l. of the head1; earring on the r. (?), wearing wire necklace (?). Border of dots.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (parallel with the lower part of the hind legs), preparing to roll, ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 346 BC2; Weight: 6.05g; Diameter: 19mm; Die axis: 130º; References, for example: Lorber Hoard, Phase L-III; SNG COP 121.

Notes:
1On p. 10 of Lorber Hoard Catharine Lorber observes that on later Phase L-III head types the round curl to the left of the head "...tends to evolve into a long wavy lock scarcely different from the others above and below it." Therefore, perhaps this coin falls earlier in Phase L-III.
2This is the date range given in Lorber Hoard, p. 11. She states that the Third Sacred War must have been the historical context for the intensive Phase L-III drachm production.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).

Provenance: Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. June 28, 2019; Ex Pegasi Auction, A22, lot 117 April 20, 2010.

Photo credits: Harlan J. Berk Ltd.

CLICK FOR SOURCES4 commentsTracy Aiello07/08/19 at 16:54quadrans: wow, great coin, Shocked

RIC 220 TitusÆ As, 9.10g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AETERNIT AVGVST; S C in field; Aeternitas stg. r., l. foot on globe, with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 220 (R). BMC p. 266 note. BNC 212.
Acquired from eBay, June 2019.

Aeternitas, the personification of eternity, as a coin type was first introduced during the reign of Vespasian and would be periodically struck until the 4th century. This As featuring Aeternitas was struck during Titus' second and largest bronze issue in 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II speculates the type here refers to the consecration of Vespasian - 'Aeternitas holds sceptre and cornucopiae, the attributes of majesty and prosperity, while the globe under her foot shows that the application is world-wide. Stress is laid more on the great future than on the great past of the Flavian line.' A most fitting interpretation for a coin that declares 'The eternity of the Augustus'.

Honest wear with greenish-brown patina.3 commentsDavid Atherton07/08/19 at 15:16Jay GT4: Nice portrait

0736 THRACE, Bizya, Pseudo-autonomous under Hadrian Tyche standingReference.
RPC III, 736; Jurukova 165

Obv. ΔΙΟΝΥСω ΚΤΙСΤΗ
Dionysos seated right on throne, holding grape bunch and a single grape; vine to left

Rev. ΒΙΖΥΗΝΩΝ.
River-god and Tyche; to left, river-god reclining right, resting right arm on water-urn, holding reed in left hand; to right, Tyche standing facing, head left, wearing long garment and kalathos, holding cantharus in right hand and two ears of corn in left hand.

6.59 gr
22 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki07/07/19 at 20:55shanxi: interesting coin

RIC 110 DomitianÆ As, 10.56g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 110 (C3). BMC 281. BNC 290.
Acquired from Holding History, eBay, June 2019.

Early in Domitian's reign Minerva figured prominently on the aes coinage. This as from early 82 featuring his patron deity with spear and shield would later be adopted by the denarius issues after the overhaul of the mint later in the year. It would become one of the standard four Minerva types for that denomination.

Fetching olive green patina.4 commentsDavid Atherton07/07/19 at 20:22Nemonater: Beautiful!

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

Roman Imperial: Constantine II (317-337 CE) Æ3 Nummus, Trier (RIC-147)Obv: FL CL CONSTANTINVS IVN N C; Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine right
Rev: CLARITAS REIPVBLICAE; Sol standing, raising right hand and holding globe, T-F across fields, •ATR in exergue
1 commentsQuant.Geek07/07/19 at 17:29lech.stepniewski: Nice coin, but it is RIC 154

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 0666Domitian AR Denarius 88 -89 CE
19mm., 2,93g.
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VIII
Rev:Minerva stg. L with spear; IMP XVIII COS XIII CENS PPP
RIC 666 (R2) BMC—RSC--
Purchased from Savoca auctions June 23, 2019

In 88 CE Domitian was fighting a series of battles. As a result Imperial acclamations for Domitian changed rather rapidly. According to hoard evidence cited in RIC coins from IMP XVIII may have been struck for as few as 38 days. Elsewhere in this gallery I posted RIC 655 which was IMP XVI and might have been struck for only 7-8 days.

As a result this coin is rather rare. RIC cites it as R2-very few examples known. I know the coin is rather worn, but when a rarity appears one sometimes has to take what one can get. As stated in the attribution this coin is not in BMCRE or RSC.

I love finding these rarities. The complex legends mean that one has to pay close attention of every detail on these coins. Coins like this one are frequently misattributed.

2 commentsorfew07/07/19 at 02:19Nemonater: Nice addition!

C. Servilius M.f., Denarius C. Servilius M.f., Denarius

RRC: 239/1
136 bc
3,94 gr

AV: Helmeted head of Roma right, wreath behind, mark of value and ROMA below
RV: The Dioscuri galloping in opposite directions, looking back at each other; C SERVEILI M F in exergue

ex Gemini, Auct XIV, Lot 353, 18.04.2018
reported as Ex Philip T. Ashton Collection. Ex Berk 164, 21 May 2009, lot 263.1 commentsNorbert07/05/19 at 07:29shanxi: nice

Macedonia, Terone, Tetrobol, 424-422 BCMacedonia, Terone, Tetrobol, 424-422 BC, , Silver, HGC:3.1-696
Oinochoe
Quadripartite incuse square
T - E
CARACTERISTICS
COIN CONDITION COMMENTS high relief
PATINA dark patina
PATINA ancient patina
FLAN well-centered flan
COMPOSITION Silver
DIAMETER 15
DENOMINATION Tetrobol
YEAR 424-422 BC
GREECE PROVINCE Macedonia
HGC 3.1-696
GREEK COIN THEME Terone1 commentsMark R107/05/19 at 04:03quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

3803 SYRIA Laodicea ad Mare. Hadrian Tetradrachm 121-22 AD TycheReference.
RPC III, 3803.5; Prieur 1107; Adra 1555-7

Issue Year 168

Obv. ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹΤ
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, right

Rev. ΙΟΥΛΙΕⲰΝ ΤⲰΝ ΚΑΙ ΛΑΟΔΙΚΕⲰΝ
Turreted and draped bust of Tyche, r.; in field, r., ΗΞΡ

13.55 gr
25.5 mm
12h

Note.
From the Michel Prieur Collection, purchased privately from Joselito Eechtout, May 2013.3 commentsokidoki07/05/19 at 04:02quadrans: Wow, nice piece.. Smile

BCC J38 Herod ArchelausJudaea - AE Prutah
Caesarea Maritima
Herod Archelaus 4BCE - 6CE
Mint of Jerusalem
Obv:HP[ω∆OY]
Bunch of grapes, vine leaf to left.
Rev:EΘNAPXOY
Tall military helmet, facing,
with crest and cheek straps,
caduceus, below left.
18mm. 2.71gm. Axis:180
Hendin III 505
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
1 commentsv-drome07/04/19 at 12:37Mark R1: Interesting coin

Crusaders, Frankish Greece , Duchy of Neopatras . John II Angelus-Comnenus AD 1303-1318.Billon denier tournois Crusaders, Frankish Greece , Duchy of Neopatras . John II Angelus-Comnenus AD 1303-1318.Billon denier tournois
Obverse : + ANGELVS SA B C , cross
Reverse : + DELLA PATCRA , castle tournois
CCS 125 Unrecorded variant .
Very Rare . 1 commentsVladislav D07/04/19 at 12:34Mark R1: Cool looking coin.

RIC 0674 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, Laureate head right
Rev: IMP XXI COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, with spear and shield
AR/Denarius (19668 mm 3.344 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88-89 A.D. (6th issue)
RIC 674 (R), RSC 254c - BMCRE 157 - BNF unlisted
Purchased from Münzhandlung Ritter2 commentsFlaviusDomitianus07/03/19 at 20:06Nemonater: Awesome

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 400-390 BC. AR Nomos20mm, 7.93 g, 2h
Youth on horse galloping right; tiny Λ below / Phalanthos, holding torch, riding dolphin left.

Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 361.2 (V164/R283) = Vlasto 338 (this coin); HN Italy 850. Old collection tone, small edge test cut, a few marks on edge, struck from worn dies. VF.

Ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection. 1 commentsLeo07/03/19 at 18:59Jay GT4: Fantastic provenance!

Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #33820mm, 7.93 g, 2h
Youth on horse galloping right; tiny Λ below / Phalanthos, holding torch, riding dolphin left.

Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 361.2 (V164/R283) = Vlasto 338 (this coin); HN Italy 850. Old collection tone, small edge test cut, a few marks on edge, struck from worn dies. VF.

Ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection.1 commentsLeo07/03/19 at 18:58Jay GT4: Love the hair on the rider

RIC 0677 DomitianusObv : IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, Laureate head right
Rev : IMP XXI COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, with spear
AR/Denarius (19.11 mm 3.39 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88-89 A.D.(6th issue)
RIC 677 (R), RSC - BMCRE - BNF unlisted
Purchased on eBay from Manuel Guerrero in 20131 commentsFlaviusDomitianus07/03/19 at 18:56Jay GT4: Good find!

RIC 0144 TitusObv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII, Laureate head leftt
Rev: FELICIT PVBLIC / S C (in field), Felicitas standing left holding sceptre and cornucopia
AE/Sestertius (32.31 mm 22.58 g 6h) Struck in Rome 80-81 A.D. (Group 2)
RIC 144 (C2), BMCRE 158-9, BNF 154
Purchased on eBay from Münzhandlung Ritter5 commentsFlaviusDomitianus07/03/19 at 15:17okidoki: very nice

Acarnania, Leucas, Stater, Leukas, EF(40-45), Silver, Pozzi:1317vCOIN CONDITION EF(40-45)
MAIN CATEGORY Coins
COMPOSITION Silver
WEIGHT (GRAMS) 7.90
DENOMINATION Stater
GREECE PROVINCE Akarnania
GREEK COIN THEME Leucas
POZZI 1317v
MINT NAME Leukas3 commentsMark R107/03/19 at 05:22Pekka K: ΦΙΛΑΝΔΡΟ&#...

Mysia, Parion, Hemidrachm, Variety, , Silver, SNG France:--Coin, Mysia, Parion, 4th century BC, Hemidrachm, , Silver, SNG France:--
Bull standing left, head reverted; pellet between hind legs
Facing gorgoneion
rare variety with pellet between hind legs
CARACTERISTICS
COIN RARITY rare variety
COMPOSITION Silver
GREECE PROVINCE Mysia
DIAMETER 12.5
DENOMINATION Hemidrachm
GREEK COIN THEME Parion1 commentsMark R107/03/19 at 03:12Tracy Aiello: Very nice!

0009 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Right, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to r. naked, except for chlamys around his shoulders and petasos, flying in the air, attached to his neck by a cord, holding with both hands a band that is around the forehead of a bull leaping r. All within a border of dots (not here visible).
Rev: ΛΑΡΙ above, Σ to the r. (not here visible), ΙΑ below (not here visible), bridled horse with trailing rein prancing r., no ground line. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC2; Weight: 6.06g; Diameter: 18mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Lorber 2008, pl. 43, 59 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 372.7 (same dies); HGC 4, 423 (same obv.).

Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.

This type is related to the Thessalian sport of bull wrestling (taurokathapsia) "...regularly showcased at the Taureia games honoring Poseidon Taureios." (HGC 4, p. 132).

Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics May 28, 2019; from the BCD collection, reportedly found 8 kms west of Pharsalus, May 1997.

Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES7 commentsTracy Aiello07/03/19 at 01:38Mark R1: Good one

RIC 0223 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERMAN COS X, Laureate head right, with aegis
Rev: MONETA AVGVST / S-C in field; Moneta standing left, with scales and cornucopia
AE/As (27.39 mm 11.408 g 6h) Struck in Rome 84 A.D. (b type)
RIC 223 (R2, no picture), BMCRE-BNF unlisted
ex Savoca 21st Blue Auction Lot 8413 commentsFlaviusDomitianus07/02/19 at 18:59Jay GT4: That's great!

CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 290-281 BC. StaterSilver, 21 mm, 7.95 g, 3 h
ΣA Nude rider on horse prancing to right, holding whip.
Rev. TAPAΣ / ⊢H Phalanthos seated astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos; behind, caduceus.
Fischer-Bossert 803-805 (V402/R816). HN III 947. Vlasto 665 (same obverse die).
A particularly elegant coin. Reverse struck slightly off-center. Extremely fine.2 commentsLeo07/02/19 at 18:32Matt Inglima: A real beauty!

Nero, 54 - 68 ADObv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TRP IMP PP, radiate head of Nero facing right.

Rev: GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, cloak draped around waist, sacrificing from patera in right hand over a flaming altar on left, holding a cornucopia in left hand, S - C flanking across field, I (mark of value) in exergue.

Orichalcum As, Rome mint, 64 AD

7.657 grams, 25.2 mm, 150°

RIC I 215, S1977 (var.)

Ex: FORVM 1 commentsMatt Inglima07/02/19 at 11:48Jay GT4: Great coin

1454 Hadrian, Cistophorus Uncertain mint in Asia Minor, Roma Reference.
RPC III, 1454; Metcalf 103

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Laureate head right

Rev. COS III
Roma seated left on chair and shield holding Victory in extended right and vertical spear in upraised left

10.35 gr
26 mm
7h1 commentsokidoki07/02/19 at 08:09shanxi: nice Roma

Attica, Athens. (Circa 454-449 BC)AR Tetradrachm

25 mm, 17.20 g

This is a transitional Owl tetradrachm that bridges the early classical owls (minted from 478-454) with the subsequent mass classical (standardized) coinage, which really got going in the early 440s BC to finance Pericles' building projects like the Parthenon and then later the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) vs. Sparta. The 454 date is critical in that it was the year that Athens moved the treasury of the Delian league (confederation of Greek states led by Athens to defend against the Persian threat) from Delos to Athens.

This coin shares many attributes of Starr V early classical coinage (465-454 BC). On the obverse, the olive leaves on Athena's helmet connect to her diadem with small stems (which disappear in the mass coinage). In addition, the palmette leaves on Athena's helmet are smaller, less decorative, and more realistic. Finally, Athena is smiling (she starts to frown as the war with Sparta goes badly) and is more beautifully depicted than in the more hastily produced mass coinage.

On the reverse, like with the Starr V coins, the incuse is quite noticeable and the AOE (short for AOENAION, or "Of the Athenians") is written in smaller letters (they are much bigger in the mass coinage). Also, the owl is stouter, has smaller eyes, and his head is at an angle rather than parallel to the ground like all later issues.

The only difference between the Starr V owls and this example is in the owl's tail - in Starr V it ends with three small feathers. On this coin and all subsequent coinage the owl's tail ends in a single prong. Given all the other similarities to Starr V it is likely this coin was minted soon after the Treasury's move from Delos to Athens - perhaps 454/453.2 commentsNathan P07/02/19 at 04:37Matt Inglima: One of the most impressive ancient coin types... s...

RIC 1235 VespasianÆ As, 9.42g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Garlanded Altar
RIC 1235 (C). BMC 846 var. (plain altar). BNC 848 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2019.

Late in Vespasian's reign the mint at Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) struck a fairly large issue of bronze at a time when the mint at Rome was winding down its own bronze production. Presumably this late issue was produced to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Many of the types were recycled from earlier issues from both Rome and Lyon. The common PROVIDENT altar type was sometimes struck at Lyon with a decorative garland, as seen on this example. Although this variant is not rare, surprisingly it is missing from the BM collection. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. It was later revived during the recent Civil War and was struck by both Galba and Vitellius.

Provenanced to an old 'South German collection from the 1920s to the 1950s'. Nice old cabinet tone. 2 commentsDavid Atherton07/02/19 at 00:17Jay GT4: Sweet

Attica, Athens. (Circa 454-449 BC)AR Tetradrachm

25 mm, 17.20 g

This is a transitional Owl tetradrachm that bridges the early classical owls (minted from 478-454) with the subsequent mass classical (standardized) coinage, which really got going in the early 440s BC to finance Pericles' building projects like the Parthenon and then later the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) vs. Sparta. The 454 date is critical in that it was the year that Athens moved the treasury of the Delian league (confederation of Greek states led by Athens to defend against the Persian threat) from Delos to Athens.

This coin shares many attributes of Starr V early classical coinage (465-454 BC). On the obverse, the olive leaves on Athena's helmet connect to her diadem with small stems (which disappear in the mass coinage). In addition, the palmette leaves on Athena's helmet are smaller, less decorative, and more realistic. Finally, Athena is smiling (she starts to frown as the war with Sparta goes badly) and is more beautifully depicted than in the more hastily produced mass coinage.

On the reverse, like with the Starr V coins, the incuse is quite noticeable and the AOE (short for AOENAION, or "Of the Athenians") is written in smaller letters (they are much bigger in the mass coinage). Also, the owl is stouter, has smaller eyes, and his head is at an angle rather than parallel to the ground like all later issues.

The only difference between the Starr V owls and this example is in the owl's tail - in Starr V it ends with three small feathers. On this coin and all subsequent coinage the owl's tail ends in a single prong. Given all the other similarities to Starr V it is likely this coin was minted soon after the Treasury's move from Delos to Athens - perhaps 454/453.2 commentsNathan P07/01/19 at 23:27Tracy Aiello: Beautiful coin; great write-up.

RIC 0336Domitian, 81-96. Denarius 85 CE Fourth Issue
(Silver, 20 mm, 3.32 g, 6 h), Rome.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII Laureate head of Domitian to right, wearing aegis.
Rev. IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P Minerva standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in her right hand and a spear in her left; behind her, shield.
RIC 336 (R2) BMC 79. Cohen 178 var. (without aegis). .
Leu Numismatic E-Auction 8 Lot 1038 June 30, 2019.

I was absolutely thrilled to win this coin in an auction. There are 2 reasons I wanted it. First, it has CENS POT in the reverse legend. I am actively seeking out denarii with this legend. Secondly, have a close look at the bust on the obverse. Far down on the neck is an Aegis. In this case the Aegis is a Gorgon. While the Aegis does occur on both bronze and silver coins of Domitian, its use is quite rare on denarii. Usually these coins are misattributed in auctions. It is worth buying the reference book RIC II Part 1 if you are going to chase these coins. One reason is that many of these rare coins do not appear in any other reference.

If you see a denarius of Domitian appear that has Aegis on the breast such as this one above, grab it before someone else notices it. There are a few sharp eyed Flavian fanatics out there who consistently scour the auction listings looking for rarities such as this one. I should know, I am one of them.

I would like to have the other Aegis coins from this issue but they do not appear very often.5 commentsorfew07/01/19 at 21:16Jay GT4: That's great! Love the Aegis

RIC 1397 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.29g
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.
RIC 1397 (R). BMC p. 89,†. RSC 291. RPC 807 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from NB Numismatics, March 2017. Ex VAuctions 292 (Imperial Coins), 6 December 2012, lot 130.

The first denarius issue at Ephesus was struck without mint marks and all of them are quite rare. This particular denarius has a peculiarly crude style compared with other Ephesian denarii. RIC II.1 authors Carradice and Buttrey comment about this coin in the introduction on p. 8 - 'a recent example seen in trade (Imperial Coins 2004) had the correct legend (and good weight for a denarius, at 3.29g) but a very different, inferior style on both the obverse and reverse. Is such a coin a barbarous imitation, or simply the product of a less able die-engraver employed at the start of a mint's output?' Curiously, the RIC plate coin of this same type from Oxford is in a similarly crude style. Interesting to note that Mattingly in BMCRE II doubted the type existed without mint mark, which indicates how rare it is!

Struck on a small flan in high relief.

7 commentsDavid Atherton07/01/19 at 12:29orfew: Wow, what an interesting coin.

049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Pisidia, Antioch, SNG BN 1117-8, AE-22, ANTIOCH MENCIS CO, Mên wearing a long robe and Phrygian cap, #1049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Pisidia, Antioch, SNG BN 1117-8, AE-22, ANTIOCH MENCIS CO, Mên wearing a long robe and Phrygian cap, #1
avers: IMP CAES SEP SEV PER A, Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left.
reverse: ANTIOCH MENCIS CO, Mên (Lunus), wearing a long robe and Phrygian cap, crescent on the left shoulder, standing slightly right, left foot resting on bucranium, holding Nike with the trophy in left hand and spear in right, rooster at foot left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 22,0mm, weight: 5,25g, axis: 0h,
mint: Pisidia, Antioch, date: 193-211 A.D.,
ref: SNG BN 1117-8, Krzyźanowska obv. die XIX.
Q-0013 commentsquadrans07/01/19 at 05:50Randygeki(h2): Sweet!

2556 LYDIA, Gordus Julia Pseudo-autonomous under Hadrian AmphoraReference.
RPC III, 2556; SNG München 179

Magistrate Ludus

Obv. ΓΟΡΔΟΥ
Turreted and draped bust of the Tyche of the city, right.

Rev. ΕΠΙ ΛΥΔΟΥ
Amphora

2.23 gr
15 mm
6h2 commentsokidoki07/01/19 at 00:03Aleph: Isn’t this a krater rather than an amphora? Ampho...

027p Traianus (98-117 A.D.), Phoenicia, Arados, BMC Phoenicia 374, AE-23, Bull left, #1027p Traianus (98-117 A.D.), Phoenicia, Arados, BMC Phoenicia 374, AE-23, Bull left, #1
avers: Bust of Astarte-Europa right, in stephane and veil, falling from chignon, smaller laureate head of Trajan right in front
reverse: Bull running left, date EOT (year 375) above, Phoenician letter on left, APAΔIΩN belove.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 23,0mm, weight:10,69g, axes:0h,
mint: Phoenicia, Arados, date: EOT=year 375, 116-117 A.D.,
ref: BMC Phoenicia 374
Q-0011 commentsquadrans06/30/19 at 19:28shanxi: I like the little Trajanio

Mn. Cordius Rufus, DenariusMn. Cordius Rufus, Denarius

RRC 463/1a
46 bc
3,62 gr

Av: Jugate heads of the dioskuri.
Rv: Venus standing left, holding scales and sceptre.

Ex Münzen & Medaillen GmbH, Auktion 46, lot 677.
Reported as ex L. Schulman, Auktion 24 (2000), Nr. 1435. 2 commentsNorbert06/30/19 at 18:20quadrans: Great coin Smile

RPC - Thrace, Augusta Traiana, Faustina II, DemeterFaustina Junior
Thrace, Augusta Traiana
AE25
Obv.: ΦΑVСΤΕΙΝΑ СΕΒΑСΤΗ, draped bust of Faustina II right.
Rev.: ΑVΓΟVСΤΗС ΤΡΑΙΑΝΗС, veiled Demeter standing, facing, head, l., holding two ears of corn and long torch
Ae, 7.87g, 25 mm
Ref.: RPC Vol. 4, № 9375 (temporary)1 commentsshanxi06/30/19 at 18:19quadrans: Nice one

55006 files on 612 page(s)

102