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Roman Republic, Mn. Acilius Glabrio - Salus with Valetudo holding Snake (Crawf. 442/1a)AR Denarius
Rome, 49 BC
3.72g

Obv: Laureate head of Salus (R), SALVTIS upward in field.

Rev: Valetudo standing (L), resting l. arm on column and holding snake in r. hand
MN·ACILIVS – III·VIR·VALETV

Crawford 442/1a; Acilia 8; Syd. 922

NAC Auction 114 - Part 1, 06/05/2019, Lot 475
ex. NAC 73, Student and his Mentor part II, 18/11/2013, Lot 176
ex. Nicolas Collection, Etienne-Paul Nicolas (1904-1981), Leu 17, 03/05/1977, Nicolas, Lot 648.9 commentsOptimo Principi05/07/19 at 21:08okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Sicily, Syracuse, Dionysios I. (405-367 B.C.), AE-Hemilitron, SNG Ans 415-25, ΣYPA, Dolphin, and shell,Sicily, Syracuse, Dionysios I. (405-367 B.C.), AE-Hemilitron, SNG Ans 415-25, ΣYPA, Dolphin, and shell,
avers: No legend, Head of Arethusa left, wearing a necklace, hair bound in ampyx and sphendone, olive leaves behind.
reverse: Dolphin swimming right, Σ Y P A and cockle shell below.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 15,5-18,0mm, weight: 3,20g, axes: 6h,
mint: Sicily, Syracuse, Dionysios I., date: 405-367 B.C., ref: SNG Ans 415-25, SNG Cop 697-699, CNS 24/1-7, HGC 2, 1480,
Q-0014 commentsquadrans05/07/19 at 18:22Steve P: Congrats on a great example, Q (cheers)

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., D/-//--, PAX AVG, AE-Ant., Pax standing left, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., D/-//--, PAX AVG, AE-Ant., Pax standing left, #1
avers: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. (A2
reverse: PAX AVG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and scepter. In left field D.(A)
exergue: D/-//--, diameter: 20,5-22,0 mm, weight: 3,92g, axis:5h,
mint: Lugdunum, 9th.em., 4th.off., "D" in left field, date: 01.-08. 282 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., Bastien 422,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans05/07/19 at 15:32Robin Ayers: Really nice addition, love all that silvering!

RIC 0863 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.37g
Rome Mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVIS CVSTOS; Jupiter stg. facing, with patera over altar and sceptre
RIC 863 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 159, 3 June 2008, lot 271.

Rated R2 by the RIC and unlisted previously, this was a most difficult coin for me to find.

Here is Curtis Clay's text from HJB's 159th buy or bid sale, which I cannot improve upon:

"A rare variant of the obverse legend for this reverse type, only recently published, allowing us to date the type's introduction precisely to 76 AD. In the course of that year, the obverse legend on Titus' gold and silver coins was expanded from T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN to the same with VESPASIANVS, and the new form lasted until his accession as Augustus in 79. Titus' IOVIS CVSTOS reverse type was previously recorded only with obverse VESPASIANVS, so datable 76-79 AD; but RIC-863 and our coin with obverse VESPASIAN suggest that the type was introduced precisely in the year of the legend change, 76. RIC-863 cites two specimens of this denarius, in Berlin and in a private collection; we have seen a couple of others in trade or private collections over the past few years."

It's not everyday you come across a variant which can pin down the dating of a well known type! Not only is the coin rare, but the portrait on this example, in my opinion, is quite exceptional. 1 commentsDavid Atherton05/07/19 at 11:34Jay GT4: How did I miss this one? AAn important type!

Hyria, Campania400-335 BC
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.33g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing wreathed Attic helmet decorated with an owl.
R: Man-headed bull walking right; YDIN[A] above.
Rutter 69 (O32/R??); SNG ANS 255; HGC I, 435; HN Italy 539; Sear 294v (bull left)
ex Den of Antiquity

An historically obscure city in southern Campania, Hyria may have been located approximately 25 miles east of Mt. Vesuvius. It's site was likely an old Samnite settlement, and in fact the ethnic on the reverse of these didrachms is often inscribed in Oscan.
However Imhoof-Blumer believed that these coins, along with those of neighboring Nola, may actually have been struck at Neapolis. This is suggested by die comparisons, and the man-headed bull device seemingly adds weight to the argument.7 commentsEnodia05/07/19 at 01:35Jay GT4: Very cool

RIC 503 TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.49g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503 (R). BMC 314. RPC 507. BNC 325.
Acquired from eBay, April 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 4680932-001, grade 'XF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Only one reverse is known for the dupondius, the Roma type seen on this coin.

Beautifully toned with an extraordinarily decadent portrait.10 commentsDavid Atherton05/06/19 at 20:57Tracy Aiello: Very nice. Great write-up.

1617 MYSIA, Hadriani ad Olympum Hadrian, Asclepius standingReference.
RPC III, 1617; von Fritze 511/2

Obv. AΥT KΑΙ ΤΡΑΙΑN ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС CЄB.
Laureate, draped bust right with paludamentum, seen from rear.

Rev. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΟΛVΝΠΩ.
Asclepius standing facing, head left, leaning upon serpent-entwined staff.

21.07 gr
31 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki05/06/19 at 18:53quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

, and details,

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 14. Septimius Severus, HrHJ (2018) 8.14.22.01 (rev. only)Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
AE 17, 3.25g, 16.67mm, 15°
obv. AV - L C - CEVHROC
Laureare head r.
rev. NIKOPOLI PROC IC
Snake in 4 Coils erecting r.
ref. a) not in AMNG:
cf. AMNG I/1, 1419 (for the type only)
b) not in Varbanov
c) not in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018):
rev. No. 8.14.22.11 (same die)
obv. e.g. No. 8.14.1.58 (same die)
F+, dark green patina
1 commentsJochen05/06/19 at 16:26quadrans: great reverse

Constantius II AE3Constantius II. 337-361 AD.

Unknown Mint. 348-351 AD.

18mm., 2.13g.

D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG. Type: Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right

FEL TEMP REPARATIO. Phoenix, radiate, standing right on globe. Star in right field.

References: RIC VIII

AAGI
1 commentsRL05/06/19 at 16:24quadrans: Great Phoenix,

Owl - This zoo needs an OWL! Preferably a perky owl..Calabria --Circa 281-272 BC. AR Drachm (3.16 gm). Helmeted head of Athena left; helmet decorated with skylla hurling a stone / [TARANTINWN], owl standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Vlasto 1077ff; SNG ANS 1320 15 commentsfeatherz05/06/19 at 14:48Maria H: Added to my want list!!! Favorite so far. Question

EAGLE, MOESIA, ISTROS AR DRACHMMoesia, Istros AR Drachm.
4th Century BC.
Facing male heads, the right inverted / ISTPIH, sea-eagle left grasping dolphin with talons, AG monogram below dolphin.
BMC 246; SNG Munich 236; SNG Copenhagen 192; Pick AMNG 417.
5.02g, 20mm.

1 comments05/06/19 at 14:43Maria H: I need to find one of these. Love it.

GriffinDenarius - Crawford 384.11 comments05/06/19 at 14:43Maria H: Gorgeous coin.

SCORPION, Another nice scorpio for the zoo !2 provincial animals !3 commentsphilippe B205/06/19 at 14:41Maria H: I love this coin!

Julianus (Julian) II Apostata AE3Julianus II Apostata. 355-363 AD.

Antioch. 361-363.

20mm, 2.44g

D N FL CL IVLI-ANVS P F AVG. Bust of Julian, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand

VOT/X/MVLT/XX within a wreath. MintMark: -/-//(palm branch left)ANTA(palm branch right)

References: RIC VIII Antioch 220

AAEI
1 commentsRL05/06/19 at 11:24okidoki: very nice Very Happy

ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, SABINA, 1618A MYSIA, Hadriani ad Olympum, Ae 27 Athena standingReference
RPC --; Von Fritze --

Obv. СΑΒΕΙΝΑ СΕΒΑСΤΗ (same obv die as RPC III 1816)
Draped bust of Sabina, r., with hair coiled and piled on top of head above double stephane

Rev. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΟΛΥΝΠ
Athena standing facing, head l., holding out Nike and resting hand on shield

9.47 gr
27 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki05/06/19 at 11:13okidoki: RPC 1618a

RIC 0377 Vespasian DupondiusDIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Radiate head right

PAX AVGVST
Pax standing left, leaning on column, with caduceus and branch; SC in field

Rome 80-81 AD

12.18g

RIC 377 (R2) Titus; very rare, only one on coinarchives.

Ex-ANE

Although the issue is undated it was likely struck on the occasion of Vespasian's deification in 80 AD.
8 commentsJay GT405/06/19 at 11:02RL: Very handsome

115 Carinus (282-283 A.D. Caesar 283-285 A.D. Augustus), Siscia, RIC V-II 314F, AE-Antoninianus, B//SMSXXI, VIRTVS AVG G, Emperor, and Jupiter, #1115 Carinus (282-283 A.D. Caesar 283-285 A.D. Augustus), Siscia, RIC V-II 314F, AE-Antoninianus, B//SMSXXI, VIRTVS AVG G, Emperor, and Jupiter, #1
avers: IMP C M AVR CARINVS P F AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust right (F)
reverse: IOVI CONSER, Carinus standing right receiving Globe from Jupiter standing left.
exergue: B//SMSXXI, diameter: 21,0-23,0mm, weight: 3,57g, axes: 0h,
mint: Siscia, 6th. em., date: 284 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 314F,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans05/06/19 at 09:38*Alex: Great coin. Nicely struck.

AE3 Imitative Imitative of coin in the style of Constans, Constantius Gallus or Constantius II

17mm., 2.16g.

Bust, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right

Inscription not read [perhaps some variation on FEL TEMP REPARATIO]. Soldier, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, spearing fallen horseman; horseman turning face to soldier, extending left arm

References:

AAFQ3 commentsRL05/06/19 at 09:29RL: Thanks Mat, it's one of my favourites

RIC 2, p.298, 730 - Plotina, VestaPlotina
Augusta
AR Denarius
Obv.: PLOTINA AVG IMP TRAIANI, Draped bust right.
Rev.: CAES AVG GERMA DAC COS VI PP, Vesta seated left on throne, holding palladium and sceptre.
Ag, 3.57g, 19mm
Ref.: RIC II 730 [R3], CRE 15 [R2]
Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 76. Lot 4141 commentsshanxi05/06/19 at 02:44Jay GT4: Wonderful portrait

RIC 503 TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.49g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503 (R). BMC 314. RPC 507. BNC 325.
Acquired from eBay, April 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 4680932-001, grade 'XF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Only one reverse is known for the dupondius, the Roma type seen on this coin.

Beautifully toned with an extraordinarily decadent portrait.10 commentsDavid Atherton05/05/19 at 22:46Nemonater: That's an awesome coin, what a portrait!

Caracalla antoninianusCaracalla Antoninianus

Obverse:
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right

Reverse:
PM TR P XVIII COS IIII PP
Jupiter standing right, holding thunderbolt and scepter3 commentsHarry G05/05/19 at 19:13Mat: Very nice, Harry

Phoenicia, Arados 116-117 A.DAE 26.72mm (Thickness 3.65mm), weight 12.86g, die axis = 12h (0 degrees).

Obverse: Laureate bust of Trajan right. [AYTOKPNEP TRAIANOΣAPIΣ] TKAIΣΣEBΓEP∆AKΠAP.

Reverse: Reverse: Tyche nude to waist seated left on rudder, hand on tiller, carrying cornucopia with bunch of grapes, Phoenician letter beth (B) in right field, Aradian era date 375 (∆OT) above Tyche´s outstretched right hand. ΑΡΑΔΙWΝ (of the Aradians) below.2 commentsArados05/05/19 at 15:31shanxi: A witch on a broom ? Smile

1301a, Diocletian, 284-305 A.D. (Antioch)DIOCLETIAN (284 – 305 AD) AE Antoninianus, 293-95 AD, RIC V 322, Cohen 34. 20.70 mm/3.1 gm, aVF, Antioch. Obverse: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed; Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM, Jupiter presents Victory on a globe to Diocletian, I/XXI. Early Diocletian with dusty earthen green patina.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)

Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina

Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.

Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.

Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.

In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.

Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.

Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.

Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.

Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.

By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.

Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.

.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.

In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.

Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."

Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.

Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

1 commentsCleisthenes05/05/19 at 07:58Jschulze: Hi there! You have this listed as Antioch when I b...

Phoenicia, Arados 219-218 B.CAE 11.72mm (Thickness 1.99mm), weight 1.26g, die axis = 12h (0 degrees), denomination D.

Obverse: Turreted bust of Tyche right, border of dots.

Reverse: Palm Tree with fruit, from right to left in middle field Aradian era date 41, Phoenician letters qoph (Q) in right field.3 commentsArados05/04/19 at 18:43Arados: Extremely rare and only the second of this type in...

...

imitation 267 Hadrian Denarius Roma 134-38 AD Salus standingReference.
cf RIC. 267d; cf Strack 264; cf C 1336

Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Bare head right

Rev. SALVS AVG
Salus standing right, holding patera and feeding serpent rising from altar.

3.10 gr
17 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki05/03/19 at 17:35quadrans: Interesting piece..

011 Gaius (Caligula) (37-41 A.D.), RIC I 052, Rome, AE-Quadrans, PON M TR P IIII P P COS TERT around R C C, #1011 Gaius (Caligula) (37-41 A.D.), RIC I 052, Rome, AE-Quadrans, PON M TR P IIII P P COS TERT around R C C, #1
avers: C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG around pileus flanked by large S C.
reverse: PON M TR P IIII P P COS TERT around R C C.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-18,5mm, weight: 3,11g, axes: 7h,
mint: Rome, date: 40-41, ref: RIC I 52, BMC 64, C 7,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans05/03/19 at 16:34okidoki: very nice i love it

040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-708, C2-219, U-557.e, P-208-05, C/S//--, #01040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-708, C2-219, U-557.e, P-208-05, C/S//--, #01
avers: ✠mONЄTA•mAThIЄ•DG(?)(right to left), Two-part Hungarian shield (Hungarian stripes, Krown and the lion of Hunyadi) in a circle, border of dots.
reverse: •RЄGIS•hVnGARIЄ•(left to right), Patriarchal cross on the crown in a circle, mint-mark on each side (C-S), the border of dots.
exergue, mint mark: C/S//--, were struck by Stephan Kowách (by Pohl), diameter: 16,0-17,7mm, weight: 0,67g, axis: 7h,
mint: Hungary, Kassa (today Kosice, Slovakia), date: 1464 A.D.,
ref: Huszár-708, CNH-2-219, Unger-557.e, Pohl 208-05,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans05/03/19 at 16:03Stkp: very nice

Egypt, Alexandria, 112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Bi-Tetradrachm, Emmet 3987-B, LB/-//--, Elpis advancing left, #1Egypt, Alexandria, 112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Bi-Tetradrachm, Emmet 3987-B, LB/-//--, Elpis advancing left, #1
avers: A K M AVP ΠPOBOC CЄB, Laureated, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: Elpis advancing left, holding flower and lifting fold of dress, LB in the left field.
exergue: LB/-//--, diameter: 19,5mm, weight: 7,11g, axes: 0h,
mint: Egypt, Alexandria, date: 276-277 A.D., LB Year 2.,
ref:
Emmet 3987-B,
Milne 4531,
Geissen 3128,
Dattari 5533,
Kampmann-Ganschow 112.8,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans05/03/19 at 12:37Canaan: BOT, graet details

179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Roma, RIC X 1357P, P/-//RM, AE-4, Nummus, VICTORIA AVG G, Victory walking left, Rare! #1179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Roma, RIC X 1357P, P/-//RM, AE-4, Nummus, VICTORIA AVG G, Victory walking left, Rare! #1
avers: D N HONORIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: VICTORIA AVG G, Victory walking left, holding wreath and palm branch, P in the left field.
exergue: P/-//RM, diameter: 11,0-11,3 mm, weight: 1,11g, axes: 6h,
mint: Roma, date: 410-423 A.D., ref: RIC X Roma 1357P, Sear 21048, Late Roman Coins 732, C 39, LRBC 828-30, Rare!
Q-0012 commentsquadrans05/03/19 at 10:57RL: interesting piece

BOEOTIA. Thebes. Ca. 395-338 BC. AR stater (12.05 gm). NGC XF 5/5 - 3/5BOEOTIA. Thebes. Ca. 395-338 BC. AR stater (12.05 gm). NGC XF 5/5 - 3/5. Kalli(machus?), magistrate, ca. 363-338 BC. Boeotian shield / Amphora; KA-ΛΛI across fields; all within concave circle. BCD Boiotia 555.3 commentsMark R105/01/19 at 22:57Mark R1: Thanks! I really wanted one of these shield coins ...

Phoenicia, Arados 171-170 B.CAE 20.88mm (Thickness 3.16mm), weight 7.34g, die axis = 11h (350 degrees), denomination B.

Obverse: Turreted head of Tyche right, braided ponytail, palm frond behind.

Reverse: Poseidon seated left on prow of galley holding wreath in right hand and trident in left, Athena figurehead (Ἀθηνᾶ Πρόμαχος), Phoenician letter shin (SH) in right field, in left field yodh (Y). Aradian era date 89 below.1 commentsArados05/01/19 at 13:42quadrans: Sweet...

RIC 0444 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.20g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C below; Hands clasped over caduceus and corn ears
RIC 444 (R). BMC 642. BNC 632.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, April 2019.

The clasped hands type had been introduced during Vespasian's great bronze issues of 71. It perhaps symbolises good faith in the corn supply (corn ears), trade (caduceus), and agricultural abundance. From the moment coins were issued in Titus Caesar's name in 72 he shared many of the reverses struck for his father, such as this clasped hands type. It must have contained a very important message for the regime since it was also produced in silver.

A fine early style portrait of the young prince with a dark greenish-grey patina.7 commentsDavid Atherton04/30/19 at 18:30quadrans: Great piece ..I like it.. Smile

RIC 0989 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 21.45g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laurerate, l.
Rev: ANNONA AVGVST; S C in field; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 989 (R3). BMC -. BNC 766.
Ex eBay, 13 April 2019.

The bronze issue of 77-78 struck at Rome was quite small, all the sestertii from it are considered rare. The 'IMP CAESAR' left facing obverse portrait with Annona reverse is listed in RIC as unique with one specimen cited from the Paris collection. None are listed in the RIC II Addenda. This then is the second known specimen, a double die match with the Paris coin.

A classic severe portrait (B. Levick called them 'straining' portraits) combined with a beautiful dark olive green patina.
7 commentsDavid Atherton04/30/19 at 15:55Molinari: Very nice, congrats.

Aurelian Antoninianus. Rome mint. AD 274-275.IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right / ORIENS AVG, Sol walking left, holding globe and raising right hand, foot on one of two captives at foot. Mintmark T.

Nice Sharp Coin Full Silvering 1 commentsBritanikus04/30/19 at 05:48shanxi: nice example

Gallienus, HippocampGALLIENVS AVG,
radiate head right

NEPTVNO CONS AVG,
hippocamp springing right

mintmark N

RIC 245, RSC 667; Sear 102925 commentsarizonarobin04/29/19 at 20:06Enodia: Another great reverse... nice. Cool

Gallienus, GriffinAe

IMP C GALLIENVS AVG
Radiate bust right

APOLLINI CONS AVG
Griffin walking left L in exergue

Delta below

RIC 1654 commentsarizonarobin04/29/19 at 20:04Enodia: Love the griffin!

Rhodes, Caria, ( 150-125 B.C.), SNG Kecckman 654-656, AR-Hemidrachm, AΡTEMΩN, Rose with bud right, Magistrate Artemon, #1Rhodes, Caria, ( 150-125 B.C.), SNG Kecckman 654-656, AR-Hemidrachm, AΡTEMΩN, Rose with bud right, Magistrate Artemon, #1
avers: No legend, Three-quarter facing radiate head of Helios, head turned slightly right.
reverse: AΡTEMΩN (Magistrate Artemon), Rose with bud right in the incuse square, club (?) to left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 13,5-14,8mm, weight: 1,09g, axes: 0h,
mint: Rhodes, Islands off Caria, Magistrate Artemon, date: 150-125 B.C.,
ref: SNG Keckman 654-656., SNG Copenhagen 842,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans04/29/19 at 19:30Tracy Aiello: Nice coin!

Gallienus, HippocampGALLIENVS AVG,
radiate head right

NEPTVNO CONS AVG,
hippocamp springing right

mintmark N

RIC 245, RSC 667; Sear 102925 commentsarizonarobin04/29/19 at 13:47Jay GT4: Fantastic reverse

Gallienus, CentaurGALLIENVS AVG,
radiate head right

APOLLINI CONS AVG,
Centaur walking right, drawing bow

Officina letter Z below

RIC 1631 commentsarizonarobin04/29/19 at 13:46Jay GT4: Always like a good centaur

Gallienus, GriffinAe

IMP C GALLIENVS AVG
Radiate bust right

APOLLINI CONS AVG
Griffin walking left L in exergue

Delta below

RIC 1654 commentsarizonarobin04/29/19 at 13:45Jay GT4: Great reverse

Vespasian (69 - 79 A.D.)Antioch, Syria
AR Tetradrachm
O: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate head right.
R: (T) ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠ KAIΣ ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY; Laureate Head of Titus, r.; in r. field, B=Year 2 ( 69-70 AD)
11.37g
25mm
RPC 1941 (2 spec.)., Cf. Prieur 107-107A

A RPC group 2 tetradrachm attributed to Antioch, but style wise very similar to Alexandria. RPC speculates the Alexandria style tetradrachms were either struck in Alexandria and then shipped to Antioch, or less likely Alexandrian mint workers were sent to Antioch and produced the coins there. Kevin Butcher speculates these Alexandria style tetradrachms were ordered by the southern Syrian cities from the Alexandria mint for circulation in that part of the province. Of note, Galilee, Samaria, and Judaea were a part of the province of Syria at the time. Interestingly, these tetradrachms in which Titus' portrait is featured on the reverse may have been circulating in the very region where he commanded the legions fighting the Jewish War. Most likely they were struck during the massive military build up before the siege of Jerusalem, providing strong evidence of the important role Titus Caesar held at the time.

This regnal year 2 type is more commonly seen with a star behind Titus' portrait on the reverse. This is the rarer variant lacking the star.
9 commentsMat04/29/19 at 09:41FlaviusDomitianus: Beautiful indeed.

hhj8.26.52.02Elagabalus
Nicopolis

Obv: AVT K M AVP ANTΩNINOC, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
Rev: NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, basket of fruit
17 mm, 2.39 gms

Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov 8.26.52.21 commentsCharles M04/29/19 at 08:21okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Elymais, Van´t Haaff 21.2-1-1, Unidentified King, wreathKingdom of Elymais
Unidentified King
uncertain date
Æ Drachm
Obv.: Bust facing right
Rev.: wreath, three dots, upturned crescent
Æ, 2.1g, 11.4 mm
Ref.: Van´t Haaff Type 21.2, Subtype 1-1
3 commentsshanxi04/28/19 at 21:45Robert L3: Excellent for the type...great pickup.

Elymais, Van´t Haaff 12.3-1-1B, Kamnaskires-Orodes, DashesKingdom of Elymais
Kamnaskires-Orodes
2nd century AD
Æ Drachm
Obv.: Bust with side tufts, one crossbars on anchor.
Rev.: Irregular dashes or crude head
Æ, 3.8g
Ref.: Van't Haaff 12.3, Subtype 1-1B1 commentsshanxi04/28/19 at 21:44Robert L3: Great coin.

Elymais, Van´t Haaff 08.1-1-1B, Kamnaskires IV, ZeusKingdom of Elymais
Kamnaskires IV
Tetradrachm
Seleukeia on the Hedyphon, dated SE 255 = 58/7 BC
Obv.: Diademed and draped bust of Kamnaskires IV left, [Seleukid anchor behind]; c/m: Nike standing left, within rectangular incuse
Rev.: Zeus seated left, holding sceptre and Nike, who crowns him; IACIΛEΩC KAMNACKIPOY TOY E BACIΛEΩC KAMNACKIPOY around, PK monogram in inner left field, [E]NΣ (date) in exergue.
14.25g, 31mm, 12h
Ref.: Van't Haaff type 8.1, subtype 1-1B; cf. Alram 458; cf. DCA 520
Ex Roma Numismatics, E-LIVE Auction 3, Lot 3683 commentsshanxi04/28/19 at 21:44Robert L3: Outstanding!

Elymais, Van´t Haaff 16.3-2-1A, Orodes III, AnchorKingdom of Elymais
Orodes III
2nd century AD
Æ Drachm
Obv.: Slender Bust to left. 1 Crossbar on Anchor
Rev.: Anchor & Dashes
Æ, 3.20g, 15mm
Ref.: Van't Haaff Type 16.3 Subtype 2-1A 1 commentsshanxi04/28/19 at 21:43Robert L3: Nice example with a good looking anchor reverse.

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Siscia, RIC V-II 263v., AE-Antoninianus, -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, CONSERVATOR AVG G, Diocletian, and Jupiter, Scarce! #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Siscia, RIC V-II 263v., AE-Antoninianus, -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, CONSERVATOR AVG G, Diocletian, and Jupiter, Scarce! #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: CONSERVATOR AV•(?)G G, Diocletian and Jupiter, each holding a sceptre, standing facing each other by an altar.
exergue: -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, diameter: 22,0-24,0 mm, weight: 3,68 g, axes: 6h,
mint: Siscia, date: 289-90 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 263v., p-247, Scarce!
Q-0013 commentsquadrans04/28/19 at 16:14Harry G: Very nice and great silvering

Egypt, Alexandria, AD 222/223, Severus Alexander, EagleSeverus Alexander
Alexandria
Billon-Tetradrachm
Obv.: A KAI MAP AYP CEY AΛEΞANΔPOC, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
Rev.: LB (year 2 = 222/223), Eagle standing left, head turned right, holding wreath in beak
Billon, 14.22g, 23mm
Ref.: Dattari 4407 var. (legend)
Ex Art Institute of Chicago1 commentsshanxi04/28/19 at 11:11quadrans: Nice one

Lucania, Sybaris (Circa 550-510 BC)AR Stater

29 mm, 8.14 g

Obverse: VM in exergue; bull standing left, head reverted.

Reverse : Incuse bull standing right, head reverted.

HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828-844

An Achaean colony dating from about 720 BC, Sybaris rapidly grew to be the wealthiest city in the area. The luxury enjoyed by its population was proverbial, hence the modern words sybarite and sybaritic. The bull may symbolize the local river god Krathis. The archaic coinage of Sybaris was brought to an abrupt end in 510 BC when the city was destroyed by the rival state of Kroton. The waters of the Krathis were diverted to flow over the site of the sacked city, thus obliterating all trace of its former splendor.2 commentsNathan P04/28/19 at 09:57okidoki: excellent and stylistic

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