Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

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Roman Republic, C. Mamilius Limetanus82 BC
AR serratus denarius, 19mm, 3.69 g, 90°
Rome mint

O: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus at shoulder; I to left

R: C•MAMIL-LIMETAN (TA ligate), Ulysses walking right, staff in left hand, extending hand to greet his dog Argos

Ref: Crawford 362/1. Sydenham 741. RSC Mamilia 6.

Notes: This is one of my holy grail coins, the saddest part of my favorite book, Homer's Odyssey, where the disguised Odysseus meets his old dog, Argos, who recognizes him and then dies. The Mercury obverse is also stunning.

Ex-Jean Elsen Auction 155, Lot 828, June 2023, ex-Casa d'Aste Thesaurus, San Marino, with tag7 commentsVirgil H08/04/23 at 22:48Ron C2: Love it - great motif!

RIC 1373 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.01g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VLTOR; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 1373 (R3, this coin), BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 107. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG, MBS 43, 24 September 1997, lot 863.

In late October 69 the Second Battle of Cremona was fought between the legions of Vitellius and Vespasian. It resulted in the utter defeat of the Vitellian side and their slow retreat towards Rome. Not long afterwards the Spanish legions went openly for Vespasian, which up until that point had only been neutrally friendly toward him. Coins were quickly struck for Vespasian in the newly won province. Most of these are attributed to Tarraco and an unknown Spanish mint. Intriguingly, a small military issue was contemporaneously struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This unique Mars type with an unusual vertical obverse legend displays the typical portrait style of this rare military issue - small portrait with upward gaze in somewhat crude style. These denarii were likely struck in haste during the turmoil of late 69/early 70 as propaganda pieces by the pro-Flavian factions in the region. This specimen is the RIC reference coin, though not pictured in the plates.5 commentsDavid Atherton08/04/23 at 11:12*Alex: Congratulations, nice find and great provenance.

032 Sigismund, ( Sigismund of Luxemburg)., King of Hungary, (1387-1437 A.D.) AR-Denar, H-576, C2-121, U-449e., P-117-44, #01032 Sigismund, ( Sigismund of Luxemburg)., King of Hungary, (1387-1437 A.D.) AR-Denar, H-576, C2-121, U-449e., P-117-44, #01
avers: + mOn • SIGISmVnDI, Patriarchal (long!) cross.
reverse: + RЄGIS VnGARIЄ ЄT C, Four-part shield, Árpádian stripes, and Brandenburg eagle.
exergue, mint mark: *//--, diameter: 12,5mm, weight: 0,47g, axis:9h,
mint: Hungary, Moneyer: (?) (by Pohl), date: 1387-1389 A.D. (by Pohl),
ref: Huszár-576, CNH-2-121, Unger-449e., Pohl-117-44, Lengyel EK-III. 27/4/35,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans08/04/23 at 11:09*Alex: Nice toning.

Sicily Syracuse tetradrachmSicily, Syracus tetradrachm (c. 310-308 BC)
25.5mm; 16.39g; 6h.
o/ KOPAΣ. Head of Kore-Persephone r., wreathed with grain.
r/ AΓAΘOKΛEIOΣ. Nike standing r., erecting trophy. Triskeles to r.
ANS.669 - MIAMG.4957 ; Hoover 1536.3 commentsT.MooT08/04/23 at 11:03*Alex: Wow. Beautiful coin.

RIC 0221 Vespasian sestertiusIMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Laureate head of Vespasian right

VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue
Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, inscribing OB / CIV / SERV on shield on palm tree; to right, Judaea seated right.

Rome, 71 CE

18.91g

RIC 221 (C3); Hendin 6538 (C)

Ex-Savoca 169 Blue auction lot 965

A very common but unmolested and honestly worn Judaea Capta sestertius5 commentsJay GT408/04/23 at 05:09quadrans: Wow 👍🤗

Kamnaskires-OrodesAE tetradrachm, early to mid 2nd century AD
Van't Haaff 12.1 variant (Combines the obverse of V.H. 12.1.1-1.B or C with the reverse of V.H. 12.1.1-3E)1 commentsKamnaskires08/04/23 at 03:24Jay GT4: Interesting portrait

JUSTINIAN I, AE Half-Follis (20 Nummi), struck 529 – 533 at Antioch (Theoupolis)Obverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Justinian I enthroned facing, holding long sceptre in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left.
Reverse: Large K, Large latin cross to left dividing letters T–H/Є–U/O/P; officina letter to right of K (Δ = fourth officina).
Diameter: 28mm | Weight: 8.4gms | Die Axis: 11
SBCV: 225 | DOC: 208.6
Rare

Much of Antioch was destroyed by a great earthquake on 29th November 528 and, following this disaster, the city was renamed Theoupolis.

530: In the spring of this year Belisarius and Hermogenes (magister officiorum) defeated a combined Persian-Arab army of 50,000 men at the Battle of Dara in modern Turkey, and in the summer a Byzantine cavalry force under the command of Sittas defeated a major Persian invasion into Roman Armenia at the Battle of Satala.
531: On April 19th, at the Battle of Callinicum, a Byzantine army commanded by Belisarius, was defeated by the Persians at Raqqa in northern Syria. Nevertheless, Justinian negotiated an end to the hostilities and Belisarius was hailed as a hero.
532: On January 11th this year anger among the supporters of the most important chariot teams in Constantinople, the Blues and the Greens, escalated into violence towards the emperor. For the next five days the city was in chaos and the fires that started during the rioting resulted in the destruction of much of the city. This insurrection, known as the Nika riots, was put down a week later by Belisarius and Mundus resulting in 30,000 people being killed in the Hippodrome.
On February 23rd Justinian ordered the building of a new Christian basilica in Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia. More than 10,000 people were employed in the construction using material brought from all over the empire.
1 comments*Alex08/04/23 at 03:23Jay GT4: Nice patina

032p Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC III 5693, AE-Hemiobol, L/IA//--, Stag standing right, #1032p Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC III 5693, AE-Hemiobol, L/IA//--, Stag standing right, #1
avers: AΥT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CEB, Laureate head right.
reverse: No legends, Stag standing right, L-IA.
exergue: L/IA//--, diameter: 18,5-19,0mm, weight: 5,4g, axis: 0h,
mint: Egypt, Alexandria, date: 126-127 A.D., Year (IA)11.,
ref:
RPC III 5693,
Emmet -IA,
Milne 1235,
Geissen 966,
Dattari 2023,
Kampmann-Ganschow 032.439,
Köln 0966,
BMC 0854,
SNG Copenhagen -,
Sear 3824
Q-0011 commentsquadrans08/03/23 at 21:24Curtis JJ: Very cool little Alexandrian bronze!

RIC 1556 Vespasian denariusIMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
Laureate Head of Vespasian right

VESTA
Vesta standing. left, with simpulum and sceptre

Antioch 72-73 CE

2.96g; 20-21mm

RIC 1556 (R3)

Double struck. Centering line still visible on reverse

Ex-Olympus Auction 4 lot 551 (mistakenly attributed as the common RIC 360 from the Rome mint)

Very rare. RIC cites one example from CNG 61, 25 September 2002, lot 1689. Since then a second example has appeared in the Atherton collection. This is the 3rd known example of the type although not a die match to the other 2 specimens. 7 commentsJay GT408/03/23 at 18:53quadrans: Interesting piece..

Macedon, Amphipolis169 – 146 BC
AE 23 mm, 7.26 grams, 0 degrees

O: Diademed head of Artemis Tauropoulos (or Apollo) right.

R: AMΦIΠΟ-ΛI-TΩ-N across fields and beneath two goats standing on their hind legs, fighting.

Ref: SG 1394; Plant 1092; SNG ANS 115-117

Ex-Forum Ancient Coins Lot (part of) Nov 20221 commentsVirgil H08/03/23 at 18:52quadrans: Nice one

Kushano-Sasanian KingdomPeroz II
303-330 AD
AE unit 14mm, 2.15 grams, 180 degrees
ANACS VF 30 #7320859
Bactrian mint (probably Balkh)

O: Bust of Peroz II right, wearing flat crown with bull's horns and lotus bud feature above; dotted border

R: Exalted god emerging from fire altar, head left, flames emanating from head and shoulders, crescent on crown, diadem in outstretched right hand, spear raised in left; dotted border.

Ref: ANS Kushan 2343-2349. Göbl 1081-1083.

Note: This was removed from ANACS encapsulation, I have the tag

Ex- Heritage Auction #232322 Lot 61099, June 20231 commentsVirgil H08/03/23 at 18:52quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

RIC II 1² Domitian 0075Obv.: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M
Rev.: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P
Domitian 81-96, Denar 81, Rom, 18mm 2,74g, ss-vz, (R2), Ex. Curtis Clay Collection, INV:R201
Ex. Harlan J Berk 224th Sale Lot 167, Ex. H. D. Rauch 71 / Lot 614 / 28.04.20031 commentsDirk J08/03/23 at 17:03Jay GT4: Lovely

038b Faustina (II) Filia (128-175 A.D.), RIC III 1714 (Marc.Aur.), Rome, AE-As, Crescent Moon and seven stars, #1038b Faustina (II) Filia (128-175 A.D.), RIC III 1714 (Marc.Aur.), Rome, AE-As, Crescent Moon and seven stars, #1
"Daughter of Antoninus Pius and Faustina Sr. and wife of Marcus Aurelius. She was also the mother of Commodus and Lucilla, wife of Lucius Verus."
avers: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, Draped bust right, with hair, waved and coiled on back of head.
reverse: No legends, Crescent Moon and seven stars, SC in exergue.
exergue: -/-//SC, diameter: 26,0-27,0mm, weight: 9,76g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date:? A.D.,
ref: RIC III 1714 (Marc.Aur.), p-193, C-17,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans08/03/23 at 15:58Virgil H: Beautiful coin

Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 17 Alexander II. Zebinas, (128-123 B.C.), SC II. 2229.?, AE-20, IΣI/symbol/ΔΠP/-//--, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Dionysus standing left, #1Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 17 Alexander II. Zebinas, (128-123 B.C.), SC II. 2229.?, AE-20, IΣI/symbol/ΔΠP/-//--, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Dionysus standing left, #1
avers: Diademed head of Alexander II. Zebinas right.
reverse: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Dionysus standing left, holding cantharus and thyrsus, ΔΠP inner left field, outer eft field IΣI above and club below.
exergue: IΣI/symbol/ΔΠP/-//--, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 8,23g, axes: 0h,
mint: Antioch, Seleukid Kingdom, Alexander II. Zebinas, date: 128-123 B.C.,
ref: Seleukid Coins II. 2229.?,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans08/03/23 at 12:37*Alex: Nice portrait.

Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 11 Alexander I. Balas, (150-145 B.C.), SC II. 1794e, AE-17, Serrate, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Owl standing, #1Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 11 Alexander I. Balas, (150-145 B.C.), SC II. 1794e, AE-17, Serrate, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Owl standing, #1
avers: Diademed head of Alexander I. right.
reverse: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Owl standing three-quarters right, head facing.
exergue: -/-//KΔA, diameter: 13,5-17,5mm, weight: 3,23g, axes: 1h,
mint: Seleukid Kingdom, Alexander I. Balas, Antioch, date: 150-145 B.C.,
ref: Seleukid Coins II. 1794e, HGC ?, Babelon?
Q-0012 commentsquadrans08/03/23 at 12:34*Alex: Nice. I like this one too.

Macedonian kingsAR trihemiobol
Amyntas III
389-369 BC
O - Head of Herakles right wearing lion scalp
R - AMYNTA eagle standing left, head right, within square
SNG ANS 95, SNG Cop 5151 commentsmauseus08/03/23 at 04:23Virgil H: Nice

Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 17 Alexander II. Zebinas, (128-123 B.C.), SC II. 2237, AE-21, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/(AΛ)EΞANΔ(ΡOY), Filleted double cornucopiae to right, #1Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 17 Alexander II. Zebinas, (128-123 B.C.), SC II. 2237, AE-21, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/(AΛ)EΞANΔ(ΡOY), Filleted double cornucopiae to right, #1
avers: Radiate and diademed head of Alexander II. Zabinas right.
reverse: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ/(AΛ)EΞANΔ(ΡOY), Filleted double cornucopiae oriented to the right, A - Π in inner fields, star to lower left.
exergue: A/Π//--, diameter: 21,0mm, weight: 6,42g, axes: 0h,
mint: Antioch, Seleukid Kingdom, Alexander II. Zebinas, date: 128-123 B.C., ref: Seleukid Coins II. 2237, HGC 9, 1167, Babelon -,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans08/02/23 at 23:11Tracy Aiello: I find it beautiful how the desert patina plays of...

Egypt, Paphos (Cyprus), Ptolemaic Kings, Ptolemy VI. Philometor, (180-145 BC.), Sovronos 1433, AR Tetradrachm, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, LKΛ(LKA)/ΠΛ(ΠA)//--, #1Egypt, Paphos (Cyprus), Ptolemaic Kings, Ptolemy VI. Philometor, (180-145 BC.), Sovronos 1433, AR Tetradrachm, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, LKΛ(LKA)/ΠΛ(ΠA)//--, #1
avers: Diademed head (Ptolemy I. ?) right, aegis around the neck.
reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, LKΛ(LKA)/ΠΛ(ΠA)//--in left and right fields.
exergue: LKΛ(LKA)/ΠΛ(ΠA)//--, diameter: 25,0-26,0mm, weight: 14,04g, axes: 12h,
mint: Egypt, Paphos (Cyprus), LKΛ(LKA=Year21), date:161/160 BC.,
ref: Sovronos 1433, Oliver 2047-9 (obv. die D233), SNG Copenhagen 617, DCA 46,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans08/02/23 at 22:58Jay GT4: Great coin

Richard III. Groat of Tower Mint.England. York, Richard III. 1483-1485. AR Groat (2.70 gm, 24.9mm, 7h) Type 1 of London, 24 days to 20 July 1483. Crowned bust facing in tressure ☼RICΛRD DI GRAₓ RЄX ΛȠGLₓ Z FRΛȠC. Fleurs on cusps, except over crown. / Long cross pattée with ∴ in each qtr. ☼POSVI DЄVᙏˣΛ DIVTOR ЄˣᙏЄVᙏ | CIVI TΛS LOȠ DOȠ. VF. Unusual combination of initial marks: halved sun & rose (type 1/type 2). Bt. Silbury Coins, Bloomsbury Coin Fair, 2014. Small flan break. Spink SCBC 2154; North 1679.1 commentsAnaximander08/02/23 at 22:48*Alex: Really nice example.

Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 10 Demetrios I., Antioch on the Orontes, (162-150 B.C.), SC II. 1642.3d., AR-Drachm, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ, Cornucopia, #1Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, 10 Demetrios I., Antioch on the Orontes, (162-150 B.C.), SC II. 1642.3d., AR-Drachm, BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ, Cornucopia, #1
avers: No legend, diademed head of Demetrios I. to right.
reverse: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ, Cornucopia, to inner right, ΠA and ΔΠ monograms and date below, ΑΞΡ.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5mm, weight: 4,09g, axes: 0h,
mint: Seleucia, Seleukid Kingdom, Demetrios I. Antioch on the Orontes, date SE 160 = 152/1 B.C.,
ref: SC II. 1642.3d., BMC 40; Newell 120; Hoover HGC 806; Paris 761; Petrograd 433; SNG Hunterian 27..
Q-0011 commentsquadrans08/02/23 at 22:00Jay GT4: Good one Q

069 Eric of PomeraniaSterling of Eric of Pomerania, king of Denmark (1396-1439), Norway (1389-1442), and Sweden (1396-1439)
Mint: Lund
Galster 9
O: ERICVS REX D S N
R: MOnETA LVnDEnSI

Eric of Pomerania, born Bogislaw, but renamed Eric to be more acceptable to the Scandinavians, became king of the three Nordic countries due to the political machinations of his great-aunt, Margaret. Eric was crowned at Kalamar, and the united three countries are known to history as the Kalamar Union. Eric was an active and energetic ruler, but his attempt to control trade in the Baltic Sea led to conflict with the powerful Hanseatic League, as well to discontent with the merchant class of Scandinavia, and this ultimately led to Eric's downfall. He was deposed as king of the three countries, though the union would continue for a while yet.

Popular legend is that Eric became a pirate after his reigns ended.

Ex- eBay1 commentsSt. George's Collection08/02/23 at 19:05Anaximander: Eric the Pirate. Arr! Treasure... Wink

Sources - 02 Attica, Athenian TriobolBMC 11: Head, Barclay V. A Catalogue of Greek Coins in the British Museum. Atica - Megaris - Aegina. London: Longmans & Co., 1888.
HGC 4: HGC: Hoover, Oliver D. Handbook of Coins of Northern and Central Greece, The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Vol. 4. Lancaster/London: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc, 2014.
Kroll: Kroll, John H. and Walker, Alan S. The Athenian Agora. Results of Excavations Conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, vol. XXVI: The Greek Coins. New Jersey: The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 1993.
SNG COP: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Danish National Museum: Attica - Aegina, Vol. 14. Copenhagen: Einar Munksgaard, 1944.
Svoronos Athens: Svoronos, John N. Corpus of the Ancient Coins of Athens. Chicago: Ares Publishers Inc., 1975.1 commentsTracy Aiello08/02/23 at 14:32Virgil H: Very interesting coin

Sources - 00022 Bull Protome Facing Left, Dolphin above, and Bridled Horse Facing RightBCD Thessaly I: Nomos AG. Auction 4. Coins of Thessaly: The BCD Collection, 10 May 2011. Zurich: Nomos, 2011.
BCD Thessaly II: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. The BCD Collection of the Coinage of Thessaly. Triton XV Auction. (3 January 2012, New York).
Herrmann, Fritz. “Die Silbermünzen von Larissa in Thessalien.” Zeitschrift für Numismatik 35 (1925): 1 - 69.
HGC 4: HGC: Hoover, Oliver D. Handbook of Coins of Northern and Central Greece, The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Vol. 4. Lancaster/London: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc, 2014.
Liampi Corpus: Kiampi, Katerini. “Das Corpus der Obolen und Hemiobolen des Thessalischen Bundes und die politische Geschichte Thessaliens im 2. Viertel des 5. Jahrhunderts v. Chr.” In Hellas und Der Griechische Osten: Studien zur Geschichte und Numismatik der griechischen Welt, Festschrift für Peter Robert Franke zum 70. Geburtstag, ed. Wolfgang Leschhorn, Auguste V. B. Miron und Andrei Miron. Saarbrücken: SDV Saarbrücker Druckerei und Verlag GmbH, 1996.
SNG Cop: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Danish National Museum: Thessaly - Illyricum, Vol. 11. Copenhagen: Einar Munksgaard, 1943.
SNG München: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Deutschland, Staatliche Münzsammlung
München, Thessalien - Illyrien - Epirus - Korkyra Nr. 1 - 701, Vol. 12. München: Hirmer Verlag, 2007.1 commentsTracy Aiello08/02/23 at 14:31Virgil H: Love these

RIC cf. 100-132/267 Titus Fourrée MuleFourrée Denarius, 2.87g
Unofficial mint, after 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Goat standing l., in laurel-wreath.
Cf. RIC 100-132/267 (for obv./rev.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 95. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Lanz, eBay, 7 December 2019.

An unoffical mule featuring a Titus obverse paired with a reverse intended for Domitian Caesar. The type of a goat within laurel wreath was exclusively struck for Domitian Caesar under Titus and may represent Amalthea, the Cretan goat, which nursed the infant Jupiter. It copies a reverse type originally coined during the Roman Republic. Despite the piece being plated, the style is good for the issue. Possibly transfer dies?

Significantly, the Paris collection possesses a fourrée mule of the same type (BNC 115), however, it is in poor style from different dies. 3 commentsDavid Atherton08/02/23 at 04:31ancientdave: Cool!

Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 397Septimius Severus AR denarius

3.32g, 17.1mm, 180 degrees, Emesa mint, 193 CE.

Attribution: RIC IVa 397. Cohen 274. BMCRE V 371.

O: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II, laureate head right.

R: LEG XIIII GEM M V TR P COS, Legionary eagle between two standards.

LEG XIIII is Gemina, the twinned Fourteenth Legion.

4 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.97.

Ex-Gert Boersema Ancient Coins, July 2023.3 commentsRon C208/02/23 at 04:29ancientdave: Interesting coin!

RIC 1373 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.01g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VLTOR; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 1373 (R3, this coin), BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 107. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG, MBS 43, 24 September 1997, lot 863.

In late October 69 the Second Battle of Cremona was fought between the legions of Vitellius and Vespasian. It resulted in the utter defeat of the Vitellian side and their slow retreat towards Rome. Not long afterwards the Spanish legions went openly for Vespasian, which up until that point had only been neutrally friendly toward him. Coins were quickly struck for Vespasian in the newly won province. Most of these are attributed to Tarraco and an unknown Spanish mint. Intriguingly, a small military issue was contemporaneously struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This unique Mars type with an unusual vertical obverse legend displays the typical portrait style of this rare military issue - small portrait with upward gaze in somewhat crude style. These denarii were likely struck in haste during the turmoil of late 69/early 70 as propaganda pieces by the pro-Flavian factions in the region. This specimen is the RIC reference coin, though not pictured in the plates.5 commentsDavid Atherton08/02/23 at 02:38Jay GT4: An important historical type, Great coin!

00022 Bull Protome Facing Left, Dolphin above, and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, dolphin facing l. above. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC1; Weight: .6g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III A Obolen; Liampi 1996, p. 104 no. 16 (V8 - R10), pl. 4 no. 31, 32, and 33; SNG München 44; BCD Thessaly I 1106; BCD Thessaly II 146; HGC 4, 476.

Notes:
1This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.

Provenance: Ex. Nomos AG Obolos 28 Lot 127 July 2, 2023

Photo Credits: Nomos AG

CLICK FOR SOURCES5 commentsTracy Aiello08/01/23 at 22:34Bruno V: super

Olympia, Elis AR Obol, Hera & Eagle (BCD Olympia 126 = HGC 472) Photo Credit: Elsen [LINK].
Greek (Classical). Olympia, Elis AR Obol (12mm, 0.86g, 5h), 105th Olympiad, c. 360 BCE.
Obv: Head of Hera or the nymph Olympia to right.
Rev: F / A (to l. & r.). Eagle w/ closed wings standing right.
Ref: BCD Olympia 126 (this coin); Hoover, HGC (5) 472 (this coin illustrated).
Prov: Ex BCD Collection BCD Collection (Leu 90 [Zurich, 10 May 2004], Lot 126 [LINK];
Mar Bar (1921-2015) Collection (Elsen 155 (16 Jun 2023), Lot 140 [LINK]).

Notes: I’m not sure of the significance of this disagreement, but Oliver Hoover (HGC) identifies the obverse figure as Hera; Alan S. Walker (BCD Olympia) calls her “the eponymous nymph Olympia” (both describing this specimen).

ASW comments (p. 63) that he IDs those wearing a stephane as Hera, those without (hair in rolls) as Olympia. Importantly, there is an AR Stater w/ a Zeus obv. & the nymph on the rev. (BCD Olympia 118 [LINK], pp. 52-3), along w/ a rev. inscribed OΛYMΠIA, apparently naming her. ASW writes: "Both the legend and the lack of the stephane prove that she's not Hera: she reappears, in a more mature and commanding way, on the contemporary issues of the Hera mint (see below, lots 122-127)" [i.e., including my coin, 126].4 commentsCurtis JJ08/01/23 at 18:01Bruno V: Very interesting, thank you!

RIC II 1² Domitian 0848Obv.: IVLIA AVGVSTA DIVI TITI F
Rev.: VESTA
Julia Titi 80-91, Cistophor 82, Rom, 25mm , 10.87g, ss, (R), INV:R1431 commentsDirk J08/01/23 at 15:08Jay GT4: Lovely

RIC II 1² Domitian 0270Obv.: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERMANIC
Rev.: P M TR POT IIII IMP VIII COS XI P P
Domitian 81-96, Denar 85, Rom, 21mm 3,10g, ss, (R2), INV:R1221 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 17:53FlaviusDomitianus: You truly have a remarkable collection of Domitian...

Calabria Tarentum AR nomosCalabria, Tarentum, nomos. c. 240-228 BC. Xenokrates magistrate.
20.5mm, 6.56g, 5h.
O/ Dioskouros, head facing, bearded with long flowing hair, raising right hand and holding rein in left, on horse stepping left;
monogram and pileos to right; ΞE-NOKPA/[T-HΣ] in two lines below.
R/ Phalanthos, nude, head and torso facing, holding trident over shoulder in right hand, and lifting drapery with left, riding dolphin left; [T]APAΣ to left; monogram to right, waves and cuttlefish below.
HN Italy 1058; Vlasto 958.1 commentsT.MooT07/31/23 at 16:10Pharsalos: Beautiful, great strike both sides.

RIC II 1² Titus 0364Obv.: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Rev.: EX S C
Titus 79-81, Divus Vespasian, Denar 80-81, Rom, 19mm 3,55g, ss, (C), INV:R0491 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 16:08Pharsalos: Beautiful details and surfaces.

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1400Obv.: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG
Rev.: CONCORDIA AVG
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 69-70, Ephesus, 18mm 3,40g, vz, (R), INV:R1471 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 15:57Pharsalos: Wow, what a spectacular denarius!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0980Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: IMP XIX
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 3,40g, vz+, (C), Ex. Yves Gunzenreiner, INV:R1691 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 15:54Pharsalos: So beautiful!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1569Obv.: IMP VESP AVG
Rev.: P M TR POT P P
Vespasian 69-79, Quadrans 74, minted in Rome for Syria, 18mm 3,41g, ss, (R), INV:R1752 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 09:23Dirk J: Thanks David, my mistake.

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1569Obv.: IMP VESP AVG
Rev.: P M TR POT P P
Vespasian 69-79, Quadrans 74, minted in Rome for Syria, 18mm 3,41g, ss, (R), INV:R1752 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 05:07David Atherton: Undoubtedly Rome mint.

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1481Obv.: T CAES IMP VESP CENS
Rev.: COS V
Vespasian 69-79, Titus als Ceasar, Denar 76, Ephesus, 19mm 3,42g, vz, (R), INV:R1301 commentsDirk J07/31/23 at 01:57Jay GT4: Wonderful

Thessaly Larissa DrachmThessaly Larissa Drachm c.350 BC, 19mm, 6.15g, 9h.
O/ Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to left, hair in ampyx surmounted by grain ears.
R/ Horse and foal standing to right; ΛAPIΣ above; AIΩN below.
SNG Cop.1242 commentsT.MooT07/31/23 at 01:57Jay GT4: Great coin

Calabria Tarentum AR nomosCalabria, Tarentum AR nomos (281-272 BC)
20mm, 6.47g, 6h.
Vlasto 7641 commentsT.MooT07/31/23 at 01:56Jay GT4: Outstanding

Orodes IAE tetradrachm, late 1st to early 2nd century AD
Van't Haaff 11.2.1-1a1 commentsKamnaskires07/31/23 at 00:46Virgil H: Nice

Orodes IIAE tetradrachm, early to mid 2nd century AD
Van't Haaff 13.3.12 commentsKamnaskires07/31/23 at 00:44Virgil H: Nice portrait

RIC II 1² Titus 0115Obv.: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Rev.: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Titus 79-81, Denar 80, Rom, 18mm 3,47g, vz, (C2), INV:R1191 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 23:44Virgil H: Beautiful, your gallery is very impressive

Thessaly Larissa AR drachmThessaly, Larissa AR drachm.
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa, wearing pendant earring, left, her hair rolled and bound at the top of her head.
Rev: ΛΑΡΙΣA|IA, horse prancing r., rein flying loose.
19.5mm, 5.95g, 6h.
Struck c.410-405 BC.
HGCS.4/428, BMC.-, Cop-1 commentsT.MooT07/30/23 at 13:46Tracy Aiello: Nice Larissian profile.

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1542Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: VIRTVS AVGVST
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Antiochia, 18mm 3,48g, +ss, (R2), INV:R0642 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 04:05orfew: Superb portrait!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0939Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VIII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 3,09g, s-ss, (R), INV:R0112 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 04:04orfew: A very nice example of the more unusual wheat stal...

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0848Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 76, Rom, 19mm 3,47g, -ss, (C), INV:R0072 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 04:01orfew: A beautifully rendered reverse

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0777Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: PON MAX TR P COS VI
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 75, Rom, 19mm 3,04g, ss, (C2), INV:R1031 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 04:00orfew: Exceptional portrait!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0773Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: PON MAX TR P COS VI
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 75, Rom, 17mm 3,31g, ss, (R3), INV:R1831 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 04:00orfew: A really nice example of a very rare coin

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0019Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS ITER FORT RED
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Rom, 18mm 3,47g, vz-, (C), INV:R1261 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:59orfew: Gorgeous example!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0002 expl1Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: IVDAEA
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 69-70, Rom, 18mm 3,25g, ss, (C2), INV:R1021 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:29Jay GT4: Historic!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1420Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P
Rev.: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Ephesus, 17mm 3,63g, vz, (R3), INV:R1411 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:28Jay GT4: Superb rarity

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1414Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P
Rev.: AVG
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Ephesus, 17mm 2,78g, ss, (R3), INV:R1481 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:27Jay GT4: Fantastic portrait

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0939Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VIII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 3,09g, s-ss, (R), INV:R0112 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:26Jay GT4: I like how you include the rim in the pictures

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0848Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 76, Rom, 19mm 3,47g, -ss, (C), INV:R0072 commentsDirk J07/30/23 at 03:26Jay GT4: Fantastic

Struck A.D.276 - 282. PROBUS. Silvered AE Antoninianus of Rome. Obverse: IMP PROBVS P F AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Probus facing right.
Reverse: IOVI CONS PROB AVG. Jupiter standing facing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left. In exergue, R thunderbolt B.
Diameter: 22mm | Weight: 4.3gms | Die Axis: 12
RIC Vii : 173
SCARCE
1 comments*Alex07/30/23 at 00:13Tracy Aiello: Nice portrait.

ANTONINVS PIVSDenario Antonino Pio 157-158 AC

RIC 272
Escasa

Extremely fine - Ex-Naville Numismatics

Octastyle temple

Ceca: Roma

Mat: plata
Peso:3,49gr
Diam: 19,1mm

Anv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XXI
Rev:TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST COS IIII1 commentsJose Vicente A07/29/23 at 19:30vindelicus: Great coin of my favorite emperor. Congrats.

GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Lysimachos, 323-281 BC ThraceAR - Tetradrachm struck in Lampsakos, 286-281 BC
Obv. Head of Alexander the Great, wearing taenia and horn of Ammon
Rev. BASILEWS – LYSIMAXOY Athena, wearing Corinthian helmet, in long robe, seated facing left on throne, left arm resting on shield decorated with lion's-head, spear pointing downwards behind her right shoulder, holding in outstretched right hand winged Nike who is crowning the name with wreath. In left field monogram HP (ligate); in exergue, crescent with cavity left.
28.8mm, 16.85g
Ref. Thompson 47; Müller 401; SNG Paris 2542

24 commentsAlexB07/29/23 at 08:08Brennos: A really great coin.

BCC MA46 Nemesis Bronze FigurineBronze Figurine of Nemesis
Roman 1st-early 3rd Century CE
Solid cast bronze statuette of Nemesis,
wearing stephane and long chiton?, right
hand clasped to drapery at neck, head
facing downward, both arms bare. In her
left hand she cradles the cubit measure.
There are no obvious seam lines. The
bottom footing is flat, allowing the figure
to stand alone. A similar representation of
Nemesis may be found on provincial coins of
Julia Domna, 194-217 CE, minted in the nearby
Roman colony of Aelia Capitolina (Meshorer 83).
Matsson's Gods, Goddesses and Heroes notes
that the original sense of Nemesis was not so
much revenge as the "distributor of fortune -
it might be either good or bad fortune" and
that she "apportioned to each man according
to his deserts."
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=89383.0
Height: 4.2cm. Weight: approx. 18.5gm.
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima, 1975
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)1 commentsv-drome07/29/23 at 03:26Kamnaskires: Outstanding. Museum quality.

Lucilla Sestertius Pietas 2Obv.

LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F
Draped bust right

Rev.

PIETAS
S C
Pietas standing, head right, holding patera, altar before

164-166 A.D.

32mm 24.32g

RIC 1756 (Aurelius) BMCRE 1161 (Aurelius) Sear 55054 commentsancientdave07/29/23 at 00:24*Alex: Great coin

Germanicus As 2Obv.

GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVGVST F DIVI AVG N
Bare head left

Rev.

CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT
Around large S C

37-38 A.D.

29mm 10.50g

RIC 1 35 BMCRE 49
1 commentsancientdave07/28/23 at 13:30Virgil H: Love this one

JUSTINIAN I, AU Solidus, struck 545 - 565 at ConstantinopleObverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Cuirassed facing bust of Justinian I wearing plumed helmet and diadem from which two pearls depend on either side. Holding globus cruciger in his right hand and shield, adorned with rider galloping right, in his left.
Reverse: VICTORIA AVGGG A. Victory in the guise of an Angel standing facing holding long staff topped with staurogram in right hand and globus cruciger in left, eight pointed star in right field; in exergue CONOB. (The letter after AVGGG in the legend indicates the number of the officina, the A indicating the first officina on this coin).
Slightly clipped
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 4.08gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 140 | DOC: 9a
1 comments*Alex07/28/23 at 02:06Jay GT4: Lovely style

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 commentsancientdave07/28/23 at 00:19Virgil H: Beautiful

RIC 0433 TitusObv : T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II, Laureate head right
Rev : VICTORIA AVGVSTI / S C, Victory standing right, foot on helmet, inscribing shield hung on palm tree
AE/Sestertius (34.18 mm 25.07 g 6h) Struck in Roma 72 A D
RIC 433 (R, Vespasian), BMCRE 637 (Vespasian), BNF 624 (Vespasian)
ex Artemide Aste Auction 26E Lot 3381 commentsFlaviusDomitianus07/27/23 at 20:27Jay GT4: Very nice and I really like the color of the patin...

Trajan Denarius Genius Obv.

IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
Radiate head to right

Rev.

S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI
Genius standing to left, holding patera and corn-ears

113-114 A.D.

20mm 3.33g

RIC II 275 RSC 398 BMCRE 429

3 commentsancientdave07/27/23 at 16:02vindelicus: Great style!

RIC 1078 var. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Rev. Legend ErrorAR Denarius, 3.15g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 1078 var. (rev. legend-TR POT VIII COS VII) p. 185, note 195. BMC 255 var. (same). RSC 332 var. (same). BNC 223 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 94. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Flavian Logic, November 2001.

A most remarkable error denarius! Here we have a Domitian Caesar reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS mistakenly given to a Titus Caesar Venus type by the engraver. The correct legend should read TR POT VIII COS VII. Perhaps the Venus reverse was confused with the Salus/column type (RIC 1084) struck for Domitian Caesar from the same issue? Furthermore, Domitian's COS VI issue with the reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS is dated to 79 and could either have been struck under Vespasian before his death in June or by Titus afterwards. The existence of this Titus Caesar error coin proves at least some of Domitian's COS VI coinage was produced under Vespasian (see RIC II p. 31). Extremely rare, possibly the third known specimen.

2 commentsDavid Atherton07/26/23 at 22:44ancientdave: Interesting find!

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