Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Last comments

Trajan Aureus, RIC 319Trajan AD 98-117. Aureus AV
Struck AD 114-116. Rome

Obv.: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right.
Rev.: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R/ FORT RED, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopia.
Diameter/weight: 20 mm, 7.26 g
Condition: very fine, traces of mounting. Areas of reddish-bluish Boscoreale-like toning. Looks very appealing to me.
Ref.: Woytek 525F; Calico 1026; RIC 319.
Ex Kölner Münzkabinett, Tyll Kroha Nachfolger3 commentsvindelicus09/30/23 at 23:01v-drome: Yes, beautiful color.

Geta Silver Denarius, RIC 34b RomeObverse: P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, bare-headed draped bust right.
Reverse: PONTIF COS, Minerva standing left, right hand on shield and holding a spear.
Rome mint, Struck 207 CE, 18.5 mm diam. 2.5 g
RIC 34b, RSC 104, SR 7186
sold 3-2018
1 commentsNORMAN K09/29/23 at 13:04*Alex: Very nice.

Hadrian As Tyche 2Obv.

HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate head right

Rev.

COS III
S C across fields
Tyche of Antioch seated to left on rocks, towered and holding grain ears, river-god Orontes swimming to left below

125-128 AD

24mm 10.81g

RIC II 680 BMCRE 1350 McAlee 5441 commentsancientdave09/29/23 at 13:02*Alex: Wonderful coin, great patina, great portrait and g...

Titus Sestertius Triumphal Quadriga Obv.

T CAES VESP IMP PON TR POT COS II CENS
Laureate head right

Rev.

S C
Titus in slow Triumphal Quadriga ornamented with Victory riding right

73 A.D.

33.5mm 24.81g

RIC II 611 (Vespasian)
5 commentsancientdave09/29/23 at 12:56*Alex: Great coin, I love it.

Caracalla As Radiate Lion with Thunderbolt Obv.

ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
Laureate head right

Rev.

P M TRP XX COS IIII P P
Radiate lion walking left with thunderbolt in its jaws
S C in ex.

217 AD

26mm 11.41g

RIC 571b Cohen 404 BMC 312

4 commentsancientdave09/29/23 at 07:46gallienus1: Great coin! Smile

Julius NeposJULIUS NEPOS AE4
474-475 A.D., probably Mediolanum
OBV: Head r.
RV: Nepos monogram within wreath, RIC X 3222, C. cf. 2
R4
Privately owned in Germany since the early 1980s.
Hirsch Coin, Auction 383, Lot 27812 commentsMark Z09/29/23 at 05:16Curtis JJ: Wow, don't see that one often!

Domitian Caesar As Domitian on HorsebackObv.

CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II
Laureate, draped bust right

Rev.

PRINCIP IVVENT
S C across lower fields
Domitian on horseback left, holding sceptre and raising right hand

73 AD

26mm 11.91g

RIC 662 Cohen 400 Paris 696 BMC 686

1 commentsancientdave09/29/23 at 00:47Jay GT4: Right out of the pages of Josephus!

Vespasian Eastern As Ceres StandingObv.

IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS
Laureate head right

Rev.
PONT MAX TR POT PP COS VIII CENS
S C across fields
Ceres, veiled, standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae

77-78 AD Uncertain Eastern Mint

27mm 14.12g

RIC 1497 RPC II 1470

Rare, Rated R3 by RIC II Part 11 commentsancientdave09/29/23 at 00:46Jay GT4: Lovely portrait

RPC 2275 Vespasian [Agrippa II]Æ27, 15.26g
Caesarea Paneas mint, 85-86 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥΕϹΠΑ ΚΑΙϹΑΡΙ ϹΕΒΑϹΤW; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥ-ΚϚ ΒΑ / ΑΓΡΙ-ΠΠΑ; Tyche with kalathos standing, l., holding cornucopia and two corn-ears, in l. field, crescent
RPC 2275 (3 spec.). Hendin 1282 var. (without crescent).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Agrippa II sporadically struck coinage for the Flavian dynasty throughout his long reign. The coins circulated within his kingdom (Northern Palestine) and were likely coined at Caesaera Panesa, although the mint is not certain (Hendin places it at Caesarea Maritima). Confusingly, Agrippa's mint(s) employed two different dating eras for his coinage - one starting in 56 and the second in 60 or 61. This middle bronze struck for Vespasian is dated regnal year 26 by the second era and was produced posthumously(?) in either 85 or 86 AD under Domitian. RPC sums up the problem - 'The present chronology adopts the date of AD 60/1 for year 1 of the era used by Agrippa II, which solves a number of issues but gives the problem of having large number of issues of posthumous coinage for Vespasian and Titus.' There is no easy solution to the chronology puzzle and for now we have to assume this coin was struck posthumously under Domitian for Titus and lacking any reference to his divine status.

It must be noted that David Hendin does not adopt this chronology and instead dates the series from the first era, although he places the start in 49 rather than 56, based on the Kushnir-Stein chronology. If that is the case this coin would date to 74-75 AD.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/27/23 at 21:25Jay GT4: Nice big Judaean coin

N85Roman Empire Coin. AR Denarius of Vespasian. Rome Mint. AD 73. Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian right / IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN. Rev: Salus, draped, seated left, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left hand at side / SALVS AVG. RIC II Vespasian 513.

NGC Ancients 5769959-041
Ex-Robert Iliano Collection, USA (June 2023)1 commentsSebastian H209/27/23 at 21:24Jay GT4: Nice Salus type

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1473Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 76, annulet mint, 20mm 2,97g, vz, (R), Ex. Curtis Clay Collection, INV:R244
Ex. Harlan J Berk 224th Sale Lot 1211 commentsDirk J09/27/23 at 21:23Jay GT4: Fantastic

Domitian As Ludi Saeculares Emperor Sacrificing With MusiciansObv.

IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P
Laureate head right

Rev.

COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC
Domitian standing left sacrificing from patera over altar, with hexstyle temple in background, two attendants playing harp and pan pipes to left
SC in ex

Struck 14 September-31 December 88 AD

27.5mm 9.67g

Ex CNG Electronic Auction 480 Lot: 575 , From the Gary R. Wilson Collection. Ex London Ancient Coins FPL 2, lot 445

RIC 623 Cohen 85
1 commentsancientdave09/27/23 at 15:46Curtis JJ: Very cool reverse type, what an interesting bronze...

N60Roman Provincial Coin. AE Quadrans of Vespasian. Antioch Mint. AD 74. Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian / IMP VESP AVG. Rev: Upright winged caduceus / VESP PON TR P. RPC II 1990; RIC II Vespasian 1571; McAlee 378.

Ex-Dutch Collection
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 100 (28 July 2022), Lot 1033
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 107 (16 March 2023), Lot 8841 commentsSebastian H209/27/23 at 05:54David Atherton: great coin.

JUDAEA, Ascalon. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ (25mm, 13.5 g, 1h). Dated CY 189 (CE 85/6). Obv. Laureate head right.
Rev. Tyche-Astarte standing facing on galley, holding scepter and aphlaston; altar to left, dove and ΘΠP (date) to right.
References: Rosenberger 114; RPC II 2212; SNG ANS 697; Sofaer 80.3 commentsCanaan09/26/23 at 20:53Jay GT4: No missing the Flavian features on the portrait

JUDAEA, Ascalon. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ (25mm, 13.5 g, 1h). Dated CY 189 (CE 85/6). Obv. Laureate head right.
Rev. Tyche-Astarte standing facing on galley, holding scepter and aphlaston; altar to left, dove and ΘΠP (date) to right.
References: Rosenberger 114; RPC II 2212; SNG ANS 697; Sofaer 80.3 commentsCanaan09/25/23 at 16:04Curtis JJ: Cool coin, interesting provincial portrait!

RPC 1076 Domitian and DomitiaÆ23, 8.17g
Ephesus mint, Undated
Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑ ϹƐΒΑϹΤΗ; laureate head of Domitian, r., facing draped bust of Domitia, l.
Rev: ΝƐΙΚΗ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΥ ƐΦƐ; Nike advancing l., holding wreath and palm
RPC 1076 (11 spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, March 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #4285432-007, grade Ch F.

An undated bronze struck in Asia Minor at Ephesus, featuring the imperial couple together on the obverse. The Nike on the reverse probably refers to a specific Domitianic victory rather than simply being generic, although which victory it commemorates is unknown (RPC II p. 167).1 commentsDavid Atherton09/25/23 at 02:30Jay GT4: A mystery victory

Feudal France, Lorraine. Antoine le Bon. Sol de guerre of Nancy. France. Feudal, Lorraine. Antoine le Bon. 1508-1544. AR Sol de guerre (1.12 ᵍᵐ 20.1ᵐᵐ 1ʰ) of Nancy. Crowned ducal coat of arms. ✠ ΛȠThOȠ ˣ a ᵜ Ϭ ᵜ CΛLABЧ ᵜ LO. / Sword pointing down. ✠ ᙏOȠЄTΛ · FΛCTΛ · ȠΛȠCЄ. aEF. Agora Auctions 111 #288. Ex Bir Collection (Pegasi Numismatics Auction 25 #805). De Saulcy pl. XIV #14; Roberts 9437; Boudeau 1509.1 commentsAnaximander09/23/23 at 20:24Stkp: Very nice

Taras AR Obol 281-235AR Obol 281-235 v. Chr.
very attractive coin with fine details
BMC- | SNG.Copenhagen- | SNG.München 782 | Vlasto 1603
SNG.Paris 2179 | SNG.ANS.1534
weight 0,75gr. | silver Ø 10mm.
obv.Scallop-shell
rev. Naked Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding kantharos and distaff,
AP-monogram right, MI-monogram below
BMC- | SNG.Copenhagen- | SNG.München 782 | Vlasto 1603
SNG.Paris 2179 | SNG.ANS.1534 R
very attractive coin with fine details
xf-/vf+2 commentsLeo09/23/23 at 17:49Enodia: the nicest example I've seen.

Tarentum AR NomosCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.69 g, 8h).
Warror, preparing to throw spear and holding shield and two more spears, on horse rearing right; Î£A below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos, astride dolphin left; AP monogram above arm, pellet below arm; below, dolphin left. Fischer-Bossert Group 71, 859 (V338/R662); Vlasto 630; HN Italy 938. Good VF, some roughness and small deposit on obverse, small die break on reverse.

Traditionally this type has been attributed to a time span between 330 BC to 300 BC. However, we may correct the dating of this type, since the presence of the Epirote eight-rayed star on the hind leg of the horse indicates that this was a die produced during the intervention of King Alexander Molossus of Epeiros, who accepted an appeal by the Tarentines to campaign against their belligerent Italic neighbours the Brutii, Samnites and Lucani. This issue is linked by magistrates’ names and control symbols of marine significance to other issues of Alexander at Tarentum. Stylistically it must also be contemporaneous with the issues signed ‘KAL’, due to the undeniable similitude of the obverse die engraving which is in all probability the work of the same master who is often celebrated as the ‘KAL’ engraver. Though it is unlikely that was his name (see A. Johnston, The Coinage of Metapontum, Pt. 3), it remains possible and indeed probable that the same talented individual was responsible for the creation of dies at Tarentum, Metapontum and Herakleia.1 commentsLeo09/23/23 at 17:45Enodia: Beautifully detailed reverse

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 18. Caracalla, HrHJ (2023) 8.18.21.05 var. (rev. only)Caracalla; AD 198-217
AE 28, 11.10g, 27.51mm 30°
struck under governor Flavius Ulpianus
obv. AV K M AVR - ANTWNINOC
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate r.
rev. V FL OVLPIAN - NIKOPOLI / PROC IC
Hygieia stg. frontal, head r., feeding snake in r. arm from patera in l. hand
ref. a) not in AMNG:
cf. AMNG I/1, 1573 (has NIKOPOLIT / PROC I)
b) not in Varbanov:
cf. #3147 (= AMNG 1573)
c) not in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2023):
rev. No. 8.18.21.5 var. (has NIKOPOLIT / PROC I)
obv. e.g. No, 8.18.3.3 (same die)
VF, glossy dark green patina2 commentsJochen09/23/23 at 15:18Anaximander: I delight in the green patina, so often seen in Mo...

YEAR-END REVIEW OF GREEK COLLECTION (OBVERSE)Click on picture for bigger resolution.

Top row from left to right: MYSIA, PERGAMMON. Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC **ILLYRIA, DYRRHACHION. AR Stater. Circa 340-280 BC**IONIA, SMYRNA. AR “Stephanophoric” Tetradrachm. Circa 150-145 BC** PELOPONNESOS, SIKYON. AR Stater. Circa 335-330 BC**ATTICA, ATHENS. “New style” Tetradrachm. Circa 169 BC.

Sixth row: BACTRIA, Antialkidas. AR Drachm. Circa 145-135 BC**CAPPADOCIA. Ariobarzanes I AR Drachm. Circa 96-63 BC**THRACE, ABDERA. AR Tetrobol. Circa 360-350 BC**THRACE, CHERSONESSOS. AR Hemidrachm. Circa 386-338 BC.

Fifth row: IONIA, EPHESOS. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 405-390 BC**CILICIA, TARSOS. Mazaios AR Stater. Circa 361-334 BC **MACEDONIA. Kassander AR Tetradrachm. Circa 317-315 BC**AKARNANIA, LEUKAS. AR Stater. Circa 320-280 BC**PAMPHYLIA, ASPENDOS. AR Stater. Circa 330-300 BC.

Fourth row: SELEUKID SYRIA. Antiochos VI AR Drachm. Circa 144-143 BC**LUCANIA, METAPONTION. AR Stater. Circa 340-330 BC**LUCANIA, VELIA. AR Stater. Circa 280 BC**PARTHIA. Mithradates II AR Drachm. Circa 121-91 BC.

Third row: AEOLIS, MYRINA. AR "Stephanophoric" Tetradrachm. Circa 150 BC**CARIA. Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Circa 341-335 BC**THRACE. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 297-281 BC**CILICIA, TARSOS. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Circa 380-374 BC**THRACE, MARONEIA. AR Tetradrachm. Mid 2nd cent. BC.

Second Row: LUCANIA, METAPONTION. AR Stater. Circa 510-480 BC** THESSALIAN LEAGUE. AR Stater. Circa 196-146 BC**CAMPANIA, NEAPOLIS. AR Nomos. Circa 275-250 BC**LYCIA, PRE-DYNASTIC. AR Stater. Circa 520-460 BC.

Bottom row: SELEUKID SYRIA. Antiochos Euergetes VII AR Tetradrachm. Circa 138-129 BC**MACEDON. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Circa 325-315 BC**CILICIA, AIGEAI. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 30 BC**PAIONIA. Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 335-315 BC**PAMPHYLIA, SIDE. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-36 BC.
2 commentsJason T09/22/23 at 20:54Anaximander: Such remarkably great strikes.

Dionysos on Maroneian AR TetradrachmLate 2nd-mid 1st centuries B.C. AR Tetradrachm, 16.18g, 31mm, 12h. Schonert-Geiss-1150 (V51/R158); SNG Copenhagen-; Dewing-1296 (same as obverse die). Obverse wreathed head of young Dionysos right. Reverse Dionysos standing half left, holding grapes and narthex stalks; monogram to inner left & right. Near EF, toned, minor die wear on reverse.

Ex CNG 88 (14 Sept. 2011) lot 52. Ex CNG e-Auction 286 lot 22.

Maroneia, together with Thasos and other Thracian poleis, was famous for its excellent wine in the ancient world. Therefore, it is no wonder that that the god of wine Dionysos is so prominent on their coins.3 commentsJason T09/22/23 at 20:52Anaximander: Really nice portrait and legible legends.

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 14. Septimius Severus, HrHJ (2023) 8.14.47.15 (rev)Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
AE 18, 2.22g, 17.5mm, 180°
obv. AV-K L C - CEVHROC
laureate head r.
rev. NIKOPOLI - TW PROC ICT
Tripod, central foot entwined by snake, head in great bow r.
ref. a) not in AMNG
b) not in Varbanov
c) not in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2023):
rev. No. 8.14.47.15 (same die)
obv. e.g. No. 8.14.1.56 (same die)
VF, glossy dark green patina1 commentsJochen09/22/23 at 17:14Curtis JJ: Fantastic portrait for an AE18. Also a very nice s...

C. Holed in Antiquity: Antoninus Pius Alexandrian DrachmEgypt, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm (35mm, 22.25g, 12h), struck 146/7 CE (Dated Year 10).
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤΩΝЄΙΝΟϹ CЄΒ ЄVC Laureate head of Antoninus r.
Reverse: L ΔЄΚΑΤΟV. Zeus, holding patera and sceptre, reclining l. on eagle.

Reference: Kellner Teil 7, Abb. 26 (this coin illustrated); RPC IV.4 1010 [LINK].
Provenance: ex AK Collection, Triton XIX (4 Jan 2016), Lot 448 (part); acq. from F. Sternberg; ex A. Voirol Collection; ex H. Steger Collection, Munzhandlung Basel 6 (18 Mar 1936), Lot 725 (not illustrated)

Notes: Alexandrian Drachms are often found pierced twice, perhaps for use as (funerary?) amulets. The placement of the piercings makes clear that the reverse was usually used as the "face" of the amulet. (Almost always at 3h & 9h, preserving the rev. devices.)1 commentsCurtis JJ09/22/23 at 01:07Jay GT4: Interesting piece

Taras, Calabria 290-281 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.13g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; crab above, club behind.
D'Andrea XL, 956; D'Andrea Diobols F, 154; HN Italy 976; Vlasto ----; Cote ---; SNG France ----; McGill ---
Scarce
ex Pavlos S. Pavlou

A scarce variety with the crab control mark, unlisted in most major references.2 commentsEnodia09/21/23 at 19:20Jay GT4: Fantastic find

Byzantine Empire, Alexius I Commenus1081-1118 AD
BI Aspron Trachy, 27mm, 4.209 grams, 180 degrees
Post-reform period, second coinage. Constantinople mint. Struck 1092 / 3-1118.

O: Crowned facing bust of Alexius, holding cruciform scepter and globus cruciger.

R: O: Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, IC-XC to left and right of Christ

SB 1918, DOC 25b.4

Notes: I like these trachys, plus this was the first Byzantine Emperor who had to contend with the Crusades

Ex- Forum Ancient Coins members Auction1 commentsVirgil H09/21/23 at 16:02Curtis JJ: Wow, that's a very silver-y one! Also, not us...

Greek, Phrygia, Apameia133 – 48 BC
AE 17 mm, 3.79 grams, 0 degrees

O: Bust of Artemis as City goddess, wearing turreted crown and necklace; at her shoulder, bow and quiver; border of dots

R: Marsyas, naked, advancing right, playing double flute, nebris tied about his neck and flying behind him, AΠAME right, ΠΑΝΚΡ ΖΗΝΟ magistrate left in two lines

Ref: BMC Phrygia 91, SG 5122

Notes: Thanks to Pekka and Altamura for assistance with the identification of the magistrate and coin attribution

Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of), June 20221 commentsVirgil H09/21/23 at 16:00Curtis JJ: Turreted city goddesses are always fun, but I real...

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 36. Gordian III, HrHJ (2023) 8.36.05.03 #2Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 29, 15.53g, 29.23mm, 135°
struck under governor Sabinius Modestus
obv. AVT K M ANTW G - ORDIANOC AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r..
rev. VP CAB MODECTOV NI-KOP-OLEITWN POC ICTR (WN ligate)
Demeter in long garment and mantle, stg. frontal, head l., resting with raised l.
hand on long burning torch and holding in extended r. hand poppy and 2 grain-
ears
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 2047
b) Varbanov 4141 corr (writes PROC)
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2023) No. 8.36.5.3 (lower coin), same dies)
almost VF, dark green patina
1 commentsJochen09/21/23 at 15:58Curtis JJ: Great coin

Macedonia, Olynthos, Chalcidian League, SNG ANS 360-348 Macedonia, Chalcidian League, Olynthos, c. 360-348 BC
AE 16., 4.5g, 270°
Obv. Head of Apollo, laureate, r.
Rev. XAΛ - KIΔ - EΩN
Kithara
Ref. SNG ANS 552-3
VF, black patina
1 commentsJochen09/21/23 at 15:57Curtis JJ: Charming little bronze! You can even count the kit...

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 18. Caracalla, HrHJ (2023) 8.18.21.05 var. (rev. only)Caracalla; AD 198-217
AE 28, 11.10g, 27.51mm 30°
struck under governor Flavius Ulpianus
obv. AV K M AVR - ANTWNINOC
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate r.
rev. V FL OVLPIAN - NIKOPOLI / PROC IC
Hygieia stg. frontal, head r., feeding snake in r. arm from patera in l. hand
ref. a) not in AMNG:
cf. AMNG I/1, 1573 (has NIKOPOLIT / PROC I)
b) not in Varbanov:
cf. #3147 (= AMNG 1573)
c) not in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2023):
rev. No. 8.18.21.5 var. (has NIKOPOLIT / PROC I)
obv. e.g. No, 8.18.3.3 (same die)
VF, glossy dark green patina2 commentsJochen09/20/23 at 23:55Serendipity: Amazing coin! Brilliantly catalogued!

Taras, Calabria375/70-370-65 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 1.15g, 2h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp.
R: Naked Herakles seated half-left on dead lion left, holding cup in right hand and club in left.
D'Andrea XXIV, 450 (this coin); D'Andrea Diobols D, 14d (this coin); Vlasto 1235 (this coin); SNG Cop 968 (same dies); HGC I, 829; HN Italy 910
Very Rare
From the AG Collection. ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; ex Vecchi 17; ex CNG

Vlasto plate coin, #1235.
D'Andrea plate coin, Series XXIV, 450.
D'Andrea Diobols plate coin, Series D, Type 14.

Yet another reverse featuring Herakles‘ first labor. Here we see the final scene with our Hero, having slain the Nemean lion, now resting on the dead carcass and raising his cup. One can easily imagine him wondering how he is going to skin this impenetrable beast.
This coin is extremely rare, and Vlasto cites only this single die combination. I have found only three other specimens of this type listed.
3 commentsEnodia09/17/23 at 20:36Tracy Aiello: Beautiful coin.

PHOENICIA. Marathos. Ae (CIrca 220-150 BC).Obv: Veiled female head (Berenike II?) right.
Rev: Marathos standing left, holding aphlaston and leaning on short column.
HGC 10, 193.
Weight: 9.2 g.
Diameter: 20-24 mm2 commentsCanaan09/17/23 at 18:23Arados: Nice coin Wink

Olympia, Elis AE (27mm), 30s BCE. Ex Franke, Morcom, Warren, Philipsen Collections, Naville Ars Classica XV & Hirsch XXVGreek (Post-Hellenistic, Roman Era). Olympia, Elis AE Diassarion-Dupondius (25-27mm, 12.56 g, 1h), temp. Marc Antony & Cleopatra, c. 30s BCE.
Obv: Head of Hera right, wearing stephane & necklace. Rev: Eagle standing right on thunderbolt; F-A across field, monogram (K or Y Retrograde Γ = Ꞁ) to lower right.

Ref (BCD): BCD Olympia 307 (same monogram, different dies); see also BCD Olympia 308-313 (mgm. vars.); BCD Peloponnesos 695-696 (mgm. vars.); BCD Peloponnesos II 2303-2307 (mgm. vars.). Ref (other): HGC 5, 544; Franke (1984 p. 19: Abb. 21, and p. 21); Weber 4082; Strauss-Laffaille (1990) 368; SNG Copenhagen 429-30 var. (monogram); Cahn 71 [1931], 365 (same rev., obv. facing left); Wroth (NC) 1905: p. 335; Earle-Fox (NC) 1898: pp. 292-3.

Prov: Sammlung P.R. Franke (1926-2018) [Solidus Auktion 108 (8 November 2022), Lot 137];
Christopher Morcom (1939-) Collection [CNG MBS 76 (12 September 2007), Lot 562];
Col. R.K. Morcom Collection (1877-1961);
Edward Perry Warren (1860-1928) Collection [Naville Ars Classica XV (2 Jul 1930), Lot 809, ill. on Pl. 28, "amateur étranger récemment décédé"];
Sammlung Gustav Philipsen (Copenhagen, 1853-1925) [Jacob Hirsch XXV (25 Nov 1909), 1300 (Pl. XVI)];
Ex IGCH 216 (unknown findspot hoard, c. 1887-1894); possibly dispersed by Canon [Rev.] William Greenwell (1820-1918).

Notes: Variously described as Double-Unit, Diassarion, Dupondius, Obol, and/or “Denomination A” (Hoover, HGC 5); and dated c. 4th BCE (Franke), 3rd (Wroth, Strauss), 2nd (Moustaka), or 30s BCE, temp. Antony/Cleopatra (J. Warren, Nicolet, BCD). (For a summary, see BCD Olympia 307 [LINK].) In the past 25 years it has become more common to interpret these coins as part of Antony & Cleopatra’s Romanization of currency in the Greek Provinces, struck during their final years in the lead up to Actium. From this perspective, we can interpret them as a Diassarion equivalent to a Dupondius.7 commentsCurtis JJ09/17/23 at 15:29Enodia: Very nice!

A Metapontine Nomos Depicting LeukipposGreek (Late Classical). Lucania, Metapontion AR Nomos (21mm, 7.79g, 7h), temp. Alexander Molossian, King of Epirus, c. 340-330 BCE.
Obv: Helmeted head of Leukippos right; to left, lion's head; below, monogram (Gamma?).
Rev: META. Grain ear with leaf, club of Hercules above leaf; below, AMI (monogram of Alexander).
Ref: Johnston class B 2.35; HN Italy 1575; F.S. Benson, "Ancient Greek Coins: II. Magana Graecia" (AJN 35.1, 1900) No. 23 & ill. 15 [LINK] = Nanteuil 159 (same dies).
Prov: Ex-VAuctions Triskeles. Ex-JB (Edmonton, d. 2019) Collection (with his original insert)

Notes: Metapontion was one of the Greek colonies on the Italian peninsula known collectively as Magna Graecia, settled by the Achaeans around the turn of the 7th century BCE. Leukippos, who appears in Corinthian helmet on the obverse, was the legendary founder of the city who reputedly led the first settlement. Johnston attributed this scarce pair of "mature dies" to the same artist who engraved the finest Distater dies, or possibly an engraver under his tutelage, very closely approximating his refined style.
[ALT: Stater, Didrachm, Leucippus, Metapontum]1 commentsCurtis JJ09/17/23 at 15:25Enodia: Nice one with a fully struck ear of grain.

Greek, Pamphylia, Sidemid 1st -mid 2nd cent AD
AE 15 mm, 18 mm, 1.96 grams, 0 degrees

O: Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet

R: CI-ΔH Nike alighting to left, holding wreath in her outstretched right hand and palm branch with her left

Ref: Unpublished?, but cf. SNG France 740 var

Notes: Notes: any legends are unreadable. The use of the latinized C in the ethnic, instead of the old Greek Σ, is an indication that this coin was struck around the time of Nero or later. The first use of the letter C is attested during the reign of Tiberius, but the old Σ was used almost exclusively until the reign of Claudius.

Ex-Ex-Jean Elsen Lot (part of)1 commentsVirgil H09/17/23 at 04:07Enodia: Cool coin, but I suspect the picture doesn't ...

temp. STUART, William Sancroft, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1677-1690, AR Medal by George Bower 1688 * GVIL · SANCROFT · ARCHIEPISC · CANTVAR · 1688 Bust of William Sancroft, the Archbishop of Canterbury, wearing camauro and canonical robes, facing right.
Seven medallions of the Bishops committed to the Tower of London: Bishops Henry Compton (middle – London), Francis Turner (upper right, proceeding clockwise – Ely), Thomas Ken (Bath), Sir John Trelawney (Bristol), Thomas White (Peterborough), John Lake (Chichester), and William Lloyd (St. Asaph); twelve stars around; signed GB·F· (George Bower fecit) below.

MI 622/37; Eimer 288b. By G. Bower. Dated 1688.

(51 mm, 53.45 g, 12h).

CNG 85 (15 September 2010) Lot 1562: California Collection of British Historical Medals.

This remarkable medallion portrays no less than eight people directly associated with a historical event that did much to shape the modern secular British democracy. In 1687, King James II enacted unilaterally and against the will of the Parliament the Declaration of Indulgence as the first step in establishing the freedom of religion in England. The ensuing protest concerned the legality of James right to make the dispensation in the absence of the support of Parliament, plus the absence of a guarantee that the Anglican Church would remain as the established church. Many leaders within the clergy refused to read the Declaration in church from the pulpit as instructed by the King in early 1688. This culminated in a petition to the King against the reading of the Declaration. The petition originated from the hand of the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Sancroft, depicted on the obverse of the medal and was signed by the six other bishops identified around the margin of the reverse of the medallion. Bishop Henry Compton, depicted in the centre of the reverse, was included on the medal due to his earlier dissent to the King’s approach to Catholicism, for which James removed him from office.

The seven bishops who signed the petition were charged with seditious libel and imprisoned in the Tower of London in May 1688. Brought to trial before the Court of the King’s Bench, the bishops were acquitted. This served as a precursor to James’ deposition shortly thereafter.

This medal was issued following the trial, in commemoration of the action taken by William Sancroft and his fellow bishops in refusing to follow James II’s edict to read the Declaration of Indulgence from the pulpit. The medal connects directly with one of the key events in British history, which lead ultimately to the deposition of James II by his son-in-law and daughter, William III and Mary II of Orange on 5 November 1688. As a direct result of the action of the seven bishops, the right to petition the king was enshrined in the new Bill of Rights in 1689. Simplistically, some people see this medal as a testament to religious intolerance, although the issues of the time that brought it into being were far more complex, involving matters of secular authority, constitutional right, and the very basis of power in the evolving secular democratic British state. This is demonstrated by the decision of Sancfroft and five of the seven bishops that they could not swear allegiance to the new protestant King William III, for to do so would be a repudiation of their prior sworn loyalty to the deposed Catholic King James II. As a result, Sancroft was dismissed from his role in 1690 and died in relative obscurity three years later.

Few coins, or medals, connect so directly with history and in doing so depict so many influential participants. The medal was the work of George Bower (d. 1690) a medallist who worked in London from 1650-1689. He had been appointed to the position of Engraver of the Royal Mint and Embosser in Ordinary in 1664.
3 commentsn.igma09/17/23 at 03:50Callimachus: Nice. Given my interest in the Stuarts, I'll ...

Augustus Denarius, RIC 126AUGUSTUS (27 BC-14 AD). AR Denarius.

Uncertain mint in Spain, possibly Colonia Patricia. 18-16 BC

Obv: Bare head right.
Rev: AVGVSTVS. Capricorn right, with globus attached to rudder between hooves; cornucopia above.
Weight: 3.73 g. Diameter: 19-20 mm.
RIC² 126. RSC 21; BMC 346; C. 21; BN 1273
Condition: Good very fine. Nice toning.1 commentsvindelicus09/15/23 at 11:18Jay GT4: Fantastic

Augustus As Altar Of LugdunumObv.

CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRAE
Laureate Head Right

Rev.

Altar of Lugdunum, with flanking columns supporting facing Victories, ROM ET AVG below

Lugdunum mint 9-14 AD

26.5mm 12.63g

RIC 233 Cohen 237 BMC 5671 commentsancientdave09/15/23 at 03:28Virgil H: Very nice

RIC 1479 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1479 (R2). BMC 492. BNC -. RPC 1455 (2 spec.). RSC 393a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 124. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.

A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome, such as this common Rome mint Spes. Both RIC and RPC speculate the mint possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius is a mint mule erroneously combining a Domitian Caeasar Spes reverse with a Vespasian obverse. Mules, muddled titles (PRINCEPS IVVENTVT for Vespasian!), and various reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian are hallmarks of the series. These 'o' mint denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style, large portraits, and an annulet (if visible) below the bust. Missing from the Paris collection.4 commentsDavid Atherton09/15/23 at 01:23ancientdave: Great addition! Lovely style!

Titus Caesar As AequitasObv.

T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS.II
Laureate head right

Rev.

AEQVITAS AVGVSTI
S C
Aequitas standing left holding scales and staff

72 AD

25.5mm 7.96g

RIC II 415 (Vespasian)1 commentsancientdave09/14/23 at 20:11Jay GT4: A smiling Titus portrait.

RIC 1120 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P
Laureate head right

IVDAEA DEVICTA
Palm tree; to left, Judaea standing left, hands bound in front.

Lugdunum; 71 CE, undated

2.88g

RIC 1120 (C); Hendin 6518 (R)

Ex-Atherton (for a few hours) :)

A much sought after and unique Judaea Capta denarius struck at Lyon (Lugdunum) in 71 CE. This example is solid silver with wonderful dark toning and hints of iridescence. The bottom of the letters in IVDAEA can just be made out on the reverse.

The vast majority of these denarii on the market today are plated contemporary forgeries. David Atherton states that nearly 60% of the Devicta coins he's seen in trade are plated. There are no known die links between plated and solid examples. However, because of the sheer amount of plated coins in existance, some have speculated that they are semi-official. The type is very difficult to attain on the market as either a fouree or solid silver. The forthcoming Addenda has changed the frequency from (C) to (R). Thanks to David for helping me secure this fantastic and historical piece!
6 commentsJay GT409/14/23 at 17:47ancientdave: Very interesting coin and commentary!

Greek, Mysia, PergamonMid-late 2nd century BC
AE 16mm, 0 degrees

O: Helmeted head of Athena right; star on helmet

R: Owl, with wings spread, standing facing, on palm branch; K to left, Σ to right

Ref: SNG France 1920-2

Notes: Dark green patina. In NGC encapsulation 5872733-107, graded XF. Has been removed from encapsulation, tag remains

Ex- CNG Keystone Aucttion 4, From the Robert W. Bartlett Bequest Sold for the Benefit of the American Numismatic Society, purchased from Olympic Coins, Lincoln, NE, November 19832 commentsVirgil H09/14/23 at 14:43Tracy Aiello: Great owl!

RIC 0384 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 22.77g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 384 (R). BMC 621. BNC 609.
Acquired from Petra Klein, July 2023.

Vespasian's bronze coinage output in 72-73 was quite meagre compared to the vast issues of 71. This rare Mars variety is a carry-over from those massive issues. Struck just prior to Vespasian holding the censorship.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/14/23 at 03:14Jay GT4: Nice big bronze

Greek, Rhodos, Carian Islands200 - 190 BC
AE 12 mm, 1.446g, 0 degrees

O: Radiate head of Helios right

R: Rose with two buds, P-O flanking

Ref: Ashton 332; SNG Keckman 607 ff.; SNG Cop 858; HGC 6 1481

Notes: aVF, dark patina, rough, from the Errett Bishop Collection; scarce

Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, ex-Errett Bishop collection1 commentsVirgil H09/14/23 at 01:27Curtis JJ: I love these little Rhodian bronzes

CALABRIA, Taras. AR Hemiobol, c. 280-228 BC.0.29 g. 7.50 mm.
Obv. Two crescents back-to-back; two pellets around; to left, A.
Rev. Two crescents back-to-back; two pellets around; to left, Σ.
HN Italy 1077; Vlasto 1758-1765. AR.
Lightly toned. Good VF.1 commentsLeo09/13/23 at 15:21Curtis JJ: That's a top quality AR fraction!

Greek, Skepsis, Troas400 - 201 BC
AE 17 mm, 3.89 grams, 210 degrees

O: Forepart of winged horse (Pegasos) left, rhyton at its side. Facing left

R: Σ-K to left and right of fir tree within linear frame

Ref: SNG Ashmolean 1194-1195; SNG Cop 475

Ex - Forum Ancient Coins Lot (part of)1 commentsVirgil H09/12/23 at 21:48Jay GT4: Great stylized imagery

Roman, Constantine IConstantine I, before the generic portraiture of the Tetrarchy had fully taken hold. From an AE Follis of Carthage struck in A.D.307 depicting Constantine I as Caesar.
Further details can be found here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=142037 1 comments*Alex09/12/23 at 21:48Jay GT4: Bold

Judaea. Herodians. Herod I (the Great) Æ Eight Prutot. Samaria, dated RY 3 = 40 BCEObv. Tripod with bowl standing on podium; L-Γ (date) across fields, HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ around.
Rev. Helmet decorated with ivy wreath; star above, two palm branches across fields Sofaer 1-4; TJC 44; Hendin 1169. 6.5 g, 24mm,1 commentsCanaan09/12/23 at 21:47Jay GT4: Always wanted one of these. Congrats

RIC 1120 Vespasian FourréeFourrée Denarius, 2.75g
Unknown mint, After 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA DEVICTA; Palm tree; to l., Judaea stg. l., hands bound in front
RIC 1120 (R). BMC 388. RSC 243. BNC 423. Hendin 1488.
Acquired from NumisCorner, June 2021.

Fourrées are ancient counterfeits composed of a copper core coated with a thin silver plating. The IVDAEA DEVICTA Flavian denarius type from Lugdunum is commonly found as a fourrée, so much so that the auctioneer Ira Goldberg states 'Of the 12-15 specimens of this IVDAEA DEVICTA type that this cataloguer has examined, all have been fourrées!' Personally, I have observed that nearly 60% of these denarii seen in trade are fourrées. Why this is so remains a mystery. Could the plated examples be the work of unscrupulous Lugdunese mint workers skimming profits? Or, did a talented forger in Gaul have a fondness for this one reverse type? The fact that there are no known die links between plated and solid specimens lends credence to the latter theory.

Either plated or solid the type is fairly scarce, so much so the as yet unpublished Flavian A&C changed the frequency rating from 'common' to 'rare'. It also must be noted that many of the specimens in major museum collections are fourrées. http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1120
My plated specimen is an obverse die match with the Berlin coin.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/12/23 at 21:38Jay GT4: Wonderful example

RIC 1120 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P
Laureate head right

IVDAEA DEVICTA
Palm tree; to left, Judaea standing left, hands bound in front.

Lugdunum; 71 CE, undated

2.88g

RIC 1120 (C); Hendin 6518 (R)

Ex-Atherton (for a few hours) :)

A much sought after and unique Judaea Capta denarius struck at Lyon (Lugdunum) in 71 CE. This example is solid silver with wonderful dark toning and hints of iridescence. The bottom of the letters in IVDAEA can just be made out on the reverse.

The vast majority of these denarii on the market today are plated contemporary forgeries. David Atherton states that nearly 60% of the Devicta coins he's seen in trade are plated. There are no known die links between plated and solid examples. However, because of the sheer amount of plated coins in existance, some have speculated that they are semi-official. The type is very difficult to attain on the market as either a fouree or solid silver. The forthcoming Addenda has changed the frequency from (C) to (R). Thanks to David for helping me secure this fantastic and historical piece!
6 commentsJay GT409/12/23 at 21:33Dirk J: A must have for every Flavian fan. Congratulations...

RIC 1120 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P
Laureate head right

IVDAEA DEVICTA
Palm tree; to left, Judaea standing left, hands bound in front.

Lugdunum; 71 CE, undated

2.88g

RIC 1120 (C); Hendin 6518 (R)

Ex-Atherton (for a few hours) :)

A much sought after and unique Judaea Capta denarius struck at Lyon (Lugdunum) in 71 CE. This example is solid silver with wonderful dark toning and hints of iridescence. The bottom of the letters in IVDAEA can just be made out on the reverse.

The vast majority of these denarii on the market today are plated contemporary forgeries. David Atherton states that nearly 60% of the Devicta coins he's seen in trade are plated. There are no known die links between plated and solid examples. However, because of the sheer amount of plated coins in existance, some have speculated that they are semi-official. The type is very difficult to attain on the market as either a fouree or solid silver. The forthcoming Addenda has changed the frequency from (C) to (R). Thanks to David for helping me secure this fantastic and historical piece!
6 commentsJay GT409/12/23 at 21:19David Atherton: Fantastic provenance! But seriously, super coin.

RIC 1491/1489A Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] Engraver's Error MuleAR Denarius, 3.41g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: ION (sic) MAX TR P COS V; Winged caduceus
Cf. RIC 1491/1489A (for obv./rev.). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 129. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Numismatic Naumann, E50, 5 February 2017, lot 515.

An unknown eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The series is riddled with error coins, such as this rare Domitian Caesar engraver's error mule. Here we erroneously have 'ION' instead of 'PON' in the reverse legend. The ION (sic) MAX COS V is a muddled reverse incompatibly struck for Titus Caesar (he could not have been PON MAX). So, a misspelled erroneous reverse impossibly intended for Titus Caesar paired with a Domitian Caesar obverse. Three mistakes on one coin! Same obverse die as RIC plate coin 1491. Possibly the only known specimen.

Off-centred and struck on a large oblong flan, but graced with a stylish portrait.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/11/23 at 21:58Jay GT4: Superb rarity! congrats

1933-D Oregon Trail Memorial Silver Half DollarUSA, Oregon Trail Memorial Silver Half Dollar, 50 Cents, 1933-D, Oregon Trail Memorial commemorative, Breen 7471, SCWC KM 159, BU, slight strike softness on rear of wagon and pioneer, first commemorative coin struck at mint, edge milled, weight 12.5g (ASW 0.3617oz), composition 0.9 Ag, 0.1 Cu, diameter 30.6mm, thickness 2.15mm, die axis 180°, Denver, CO mint, 1933; obverse UNITED-STATES/OF-AMERICA in two lines across fields, Native American chief standing half-right, nude but for double-trailing eagle-feathered war bonnet, blanket draped over left shoulder, breechcloth and moccasins, holding bow in right hand, with left arm outstretched and hand upraised towards the east, before US map, with miniature Conestoga wagon train heading west along Oregon Trail above left, Hudson Bay visible above right, HALF-DOLLAR arcing below, mint mark D at bottom left behind Indian's moccasined feet, engraved by Laura Gardin Fraser, raised border surrounding; reverse IN GOD WE TRUST arcing above, Conestoga wagon carrying mother and child, drawn by two oxen, led by pioneer, holding staff with left hand over right shoulder, heading west over brow of hill towards large setting nine-rayed sun to left, OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL/*****/1933 arcing in three lines in exergue, five stars for the Oregon Territory states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, JEF/LGF (James Earle Fraser/Laura Gardin Fraser) monograms in two lines to right behind wagon, engraved by James Earle Fraser, raised border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Baldwin's (8 Sep 2023); ex Sovereign Rarities auction 6 (28 Jun 2022), lot 322; £650.00.1 commentsSerendipity09/10/23 at 21:42v-drome: Beautiful coin and great write-up. I really like ...

Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar II (ca. 6th Century BCE) Brick Tablet (Walker 102, 7-line Type)Brick impressed with seven lines of cuneiform text:

𒀭𒀝𒆪𒁺𒌫𒊑𒌶 (Nebuchadnezzar (II))
𒈗 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 (King of Babylon)
𒍝𒉌𒅔 𒂍𒊕𒅍 (provider of Esagila)
𒅇 𒂍𒍣𒁕 (and Ezida)
𒌉𒍑 𒀀𒊭𒊑𒁺 (foremost seed)
𒊭 𒀭𒀝𒌉𒍑𒌶 (of Nabopolassar,)
𒈗 𒁀𒁉𒇻𒆠 𒀀𒈾𒆪 (King of Babylon, am I)

2 commentsQuant.Geek09/10/23 at 15:06Serendipity: Very impressive cataloguing with Babylonian cuneif...

Abraham Lincoln, 1963 NYU Hall of Fame MedalObv: LINCOLN above, 1809 - 1865 behind bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, "With malice toward none ...with charity for all." A. Lincoln in script.

Rev: A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND, a frieze of huddled slaves in foreground, with raised, shackled hands in center; EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION around the disk of the sun. THE HALL OF FAME OF GREAT AMERICANS AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY 1963, in exergue.

Category: Statesmen

Year Elected: 1900

Medal Issued: 1963

Sculptor: Anthony DeFrancisci

Mint: Medallic Art Company

Details: Bronze, 44 mm, 0°
1 commentsMatt Inglima09/10/23 at 10:33Serendipity: I love collecting Americana despite being British.

Edgar Allan Poe, 1963 NYU Hall of Fame MedalObv: EDGAR ALLAN POE 1809 - 1849, bust of Poe facing left. Depictions of a Raven and a Gold Bug alluding to Poe's writings. THE HALL OF FAME FOR GREAT AMERICANS AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY.

Rev: The Pegasus, located upper right, symbolic of poetry and art, unfolds a nightmare of dreams and death that dominate Poe's fiction: "NEVERMORE" inscribed above the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named "Lenore" from The Raven, there is imagery from such works as: The Fall of the House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death, The Black Cat, MS. Found in the Bottle, The Pit and the Pendulum, and Israfel.

Category: Literature

Year Elected: 1910

Medal Issued: 1963

Sculptor: Michael Lantz

Mint: Medallic Art Company

Details: Bronze, 44 mm, 0°
3 commentsMatt Inglima09/10/23 at 10:26Serendipity: An Edgar Allan Poe medal! This is great!

Antoninus Pius Aureus, RIC 13Antoninus Pius. AV aureus
Rome, August-December AD 138.
18mm, 6.85 gm, 6h
Obv.: IMP T AEL CAES HA-DRI ANTONINVS, bare head of Antoninus Pius right.
Rev.: AVG PIVS P M-TR P COS DES II, Pietas standing right, veiled, acerra in outstretched left hand, sprinkling incense with right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to right.
Calicó 1469. RIC III 13
Condition: Choice XF
Ex Heritage Auctions, Dallas2 commentsvindelicus09/10/23 at 10:06Serendipity: Resplendent gold aureus with radiating flow lines ...

NUMIDIA, Juba I, Circa 60-46 BCKINGS of NUMIDIA. Juba I, Circa 60-46 BC. Drachm (Silver, 17mm, 3.76 g 12), Utica. REX IVBA Diademed, bearded, draped and cuirassed bust of Juba I to right, scepter over his right shoulder. Rev. (Punic legend) Octastyle temple with a flat roof and a small, central, pedimented tower. MAA 29. Mazard 84. SNG Copenhagen 523. Attractively toned grey. Bankers mark under ear.1 commentsAncient Aussie09/09/23 at 11:29Jay GT4: Very nice

Calabria, Taras, c. 330-325 BC. AR Didrachm7.41 g.
Helmeted soldier riding right, holding lance; behind, Nike flying right with wreath.
Reverse: Taras riding right on dolphin; below, waves.
Fischer-Bossert 794; Vlasto 536.
Rare variety. Choice Very Fine.
from The Peh Family Collection.1 commentsLeo09/08/23 at 00:16Jay GT4: I really like this one

Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 49Septimius Severus AR denarius

2.96g, 19.0mm, 180 degrees, Rome mint, 194 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 49. Cohen 381. BMCRE V 76.

O: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP IIII, laureate head right.

R: P M TR P II COS II P P, Minerva standing left holding spear and round shield.

19 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.100.

Ex-Tom Vossen Coins, July 2023.2 commentsRon C209/07/23 at 19:26Serendipity: Brilliant! You’ve got another one of Minerva with ...

Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 68Septimius Severus AR denarius

2.62g, 17.5mm, 0 degrees, Rome mint, 195 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 68. Cohen 391. BMCRE V 124.

O: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII, laureate head right.

R: P M TR P III COS II P P, Minerva standing left holding spear and round shield.

53 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.100.

Ex-Aegean Numismatics, SKU0723539, August 2023.3 commentsRon C209/07/23 at 19:17Serendipity: I like the Minerva reverse. I would like to get on...

RIC II 1² Domitian 0843Obv.: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG P M COS VIII
Rev.:
Domitian 81-96, Cistophor 82, Rom, 24mm 11,12g, ss, (C), INV:R237
formerly in NGC slab 6626789-006, VF, graffito
Ex. Stacks & Bowers August 2023 / Lot 53360 / 22.08.20231 commentsDirk J09/07/23 at 03:01Jay GT4: Nice big silver Cistophoric, I have the next issue...

RIC 392 Julia Titi [Titus]Æ Dupondius, 11.62g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTA; Bust of Julia Titi, draped, r., hair piled high in front and coiled in small bun at back
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., holding corn-ears and torch
RIC 392 (R). BMC 215. BNC 265.
Acquired from Prafectus Coins, July 2023.

Titus' daughter Julia Titi was granted the title Augusta during his reign sometime in 80 or 81. A small issue of denarii and dupondii were struck to commemorate the occasion, most of which are fairly scarce today. This dupondius featuring Ceres on the reverse is a most appropriate type for the new Augusta. RIC speculates the Ceres dupondius variety could possibly have been produced at the 'Thracian' mint, due to similar styles (p. 191).1 commentsDavid Atherton09/06/23 at 23:17Jay GT4: Handsome portrait

Attica, Athens, Thompson 715bAttica, Athens, 110/109 BC
AR - tetradrachm ('New Style'), 16.64g, 33mm
struck under magistrates Zoilos, Euandros and Lysippos
obv. Head of Athena Parthenos, wearing crested Attic helmet, decorated with gryphion, r.
rev. Owl, stg. r. on amphora reclined r.
in l. and r. field A - QE
beneath ZOI - LOS / EYA / NDRO / LYSI / PP
in r. feld grain, beneath a bee
Amphora inscribed with Gamma (number of month)
beneath SF
All within olive wreath
ref. Thompson 715b
EF, slightly toned

A must for every collector. I have waited a long time for this coin. A wonderful portrait!10 commentsJochen09/06/23 at 17:41Serendipity: Definitely a must-have coin for every collector! P...

Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 68Septimius Severus AR denarius

2.62g, 17.5mm, 0 degrees, Rome mint, 195 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 68. Cohen 391. BMCRE V 124.

O: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII, laureate head right.

R: P M TR P III COS II P P, Minerva standing left holding spear and round shield.

53 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.100.

Ex-Aegean Numismatics, SKU0723539, August 2023.3 commentsRon C209/06/23 at 03:06Enodia: Vivid portrait despite the wear. I also like all t...

RIC 0529A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: SALVS AVG; Salus std., l., with patera
RIC 529A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 404, 2 November 2011, lot 2570.

This Titus as Caesar denarius with Salus on the reverse coupled with this obverse legend is unlisted in all the major references, including the new RIC II. The coin comes from a series minted in 73 AD in which the Salus type was known for Vespasian but unknown for Titus until the present denarius surfaced. Ian Carradice has given this new type the number 529A (under Vespasian) in the RIC II Addenda. Also, this coin is an obverse die match with the RIC V531 plate coin.

What to my eyes makes this COTD worthy is not the rarity but the bold portrait which was described by the eminent Flavian collector Harry Sneh as 'striking'. I tend to agree. The reverse is weakly struck (worn die?) but well centered.

Struck on a huge flan and weighing 3.48g. This coin is a true beauty in hand.
6 commentsDavid Atherton09/06/23 at 00:46Jay GT4: BOLD portrait!

RIC 1452 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Ephesus mint, 73 AD (late)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS IIII TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1452 (R3). BMC -. RSC -, RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 115. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, 13 September 2012.

An exceedingly rare Ephesian COS IIII denarius. RIC cites just one specimen (from different dies) of this AVG in oak wreath variety from a private collection. This is undoubtedly the scarcest issue struck for Vespasian at Ephesus, likely due to production spanning just a few weeks or days at the end of 73 just prior to Vespasian becoming COS V on 1 January 74. 2 commentsDavid Atherton09/05/23 at 22:54Jay GT4: Great rarity

Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 490-480 BC. AR Nomos21 mm, 8.12 g, 6 h.
ΤΑRΑΣ Youthful oikist, nude and with long hair, riding dolphin to right, holding octopus in his right hand and extending his left; around, cable border.
Rev. ΤΑRΑΣ Hippocamp to right; below, cockle shell; around, rayed border.
Fischer-Bossert 25 (V11/R19). HN Italy 827. SNG Lockett 122 ( same dies ). Vlasto 124.
Very rare. A very well preserved piece of wonderful late Archaic style. Very light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.1 commentsLeo09/05/23 at 20:26paul1888: Beautiful coin. Great details.

RIC 1575 (V) Titus QuadransT CAES IMP
Laureate head right

PON TR POT
Winged Caduceus

Rome, 74 CE

2.79g

RIC 1575 (R2)

Ex-Tom Vossen (Netherlands)

Black patina under earthen deposits. This reverse is die matched to RIC 1570 (R3) in my collection (a mule with Vespasian obverse).5 commentsJay GT409/05/23 at 09:31vindelicus: Interesting coin. Nice!

Lucius Verus Sestertius Concord AugustorObv.

IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG
Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind

Rev.

CONCORD AVGVSTOR TR P II
COS II in exergue
Marcus Aurelius standing right, holding roll in left hand
and clasping right hand with Lucius Verus standing
left and holding roll in left hand

162 AD

31.5 mm 25.85g

RIC III 1311 (Marcus Aurelius) Banti 33 BMCRE 1023 (Marcus Aurelius) Cohen 40
2 commentsancientdave09/03/23 at 04:00Virgil H: Nice portrait.

Antoninus Pius Denarius Temple Of Augustus Obv.

ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XXII
Laureate head right

Rev.

TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST
COS IIII in exergue
Octastyle temple, in which are seated figures of Divus Augustus and Livia

158 AD

18mm 2.95g

RIC 290 RSC 8022 commentsancientdave09/03/23 at 03:58Virgil H: Love it

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 332-302 BC. AR Nomos7.93 g. 22.50 mm.
Obv. Warrior, holding shield and two spears, preparing to cast a third, on horseback right; Ξ to left; API below.
Rev. Phalanthos, holding kantharos and rudder, riding dolphin left; K[Λ] to lower right; behind, TAPAΣ.
HN Italy 939; Vlasto 636-7; SNG ANS 1016.
Brilliant and lightly toned; minor cleaning marks. About EF.1 commentsLeo09/03/23 at 01:15Jay GT4: Dynamic coin

Nerva As Fortuna Obv.

IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P
Laureate head right

Rev.

FORTVNA AVGVST
S C across field
Fortuna standing facing, head left, holding rudder and cornucopiae

97 AD

27 mm 11.00g

RIC 83 BMCRE 129 Cohen 68
1 commentsancientdave09/02/23 at 12:20Jay GT4: Distinctive Nerva portrait

RIC 1570 Vespasian quadransIMP VESP AVG
Laureate head left

PON TR POT
Winged caduceus

Rome; 74 CE
2.91g
RIC 1570 (R3)

An official mule using the reverse of Titus. Reverse die matched to RIC 1575 in my gallery.

Ex-Zeus Auction 26 lot 448

Very rare. None in Forum galleries. One on acsearch.7 commentsJay GT409/02/23 at 06:20ancientdave: Nice example! The patina is lovely!

Michael Molnar's Published "Star of Bethlehem" Bronze from Syria, AntiochSyria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem Æ Trichalkon (21.5mm, 8.29 g, 12h), temp. Augustus, naming Q. Caecilius Metellus Creticus Silanus, legatus Augusti pro praetore, struck 13/14 CE (dated Actian Year 44).
Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right.
Rev: EΠI ΣIΛANOY ANTIOXEΩN / ΔM (date). Ram leaping right, head turned to look back at star above. (Aries and the Star of Bethlehem?)
Ref: McAlee 99; RPC 4269; Molnar p. 52, Fig 9 (this coin).
Prov: Ex Dr. Michael Molnar (1945-2023) Collection, acq. for $50 at a NY coin show (before 1991). CNG e-Auction 543 (1 Aug 2023), Lot 319.

Note: At some point it appears that the artificial desert patina was removed from this coin, so the surfaces appear slightly different now.

Provenance Notes: This is the very coin that reportedly inspired Michael Molnar's theory that the "Christmas Star" or "Star of Bethlehem" was an astronomical event (the conjunction of Jupiter & Aries on 17 April 6 BCE) commemorated on Roman Provincial coins of Antioch.

He first published this coin & theory in The Celator vol. 5, n. 8 (Dec 1991), this coin illustrated on p.8 [LINK]. He also published it on his popular website [ARCHIVED] & in his book, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi (Rutgers: 1999), which was reprinted & translated many times (this rev. ill. on p. 52). The hypothesis received enduring enough attention to be the subject of a 2014 scholarly colloquium at Groningen University, w/ conf. proceedings published in 2015 [LINK].

Molnar's theory was also widely reported in the popular press. Among many other publications, this coin was illustrated in a 21 Dec 1999 New York Times story, “Coin May Link Star of Bethlehem to King of Planets” (actually illustrated twice, as Molnar's portrait shows him holding up this coin's plate from the book) [ARCHIVED].

See also: T. Cartwright's (2014) "Star of Bethlehem" paper on Numiswik, which gives considerably more detail on Molnar's theory & the many related coin types: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Star%20of%20Bethlehem2 commentsCurtis JJ09/01/23 at 15:52Jay GT4: An interesting series. Congrats

54923 files on 611 page(s)

611