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Crawford 437/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Caldus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Caldus, 51 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.04g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: [C.COEL.CALDVS] COS; Bare head of C. Coelius Caldus facing right; standard with HIS behind; boar-shaped standard before.

Reverse: C.CALDVS - CALDVS.IIIVIR - IMP.A.X; Table inscribed L.CALDVS VIIVR.EPV with figure preparing epulum; flanked by trophies with shields.

References: Crawford 437/2a; Sydenham 894; BMCRR 3837; Coelia 7.

Provenance: Gorny & Mosch 269 (10 Mar 2020), Lot 965; Künker Auction 288 (13 Mar 2017), Lot 296; Sternberg Auction XI (20 Nov 1981) Lot 513; Spink/Galerie des Monnaies Auction (15 Feb 1977) Lot 446; Leopold G. P. Messenger Collection [Glendining (21 Nov 1951) Lot 62]; Clarence S. Bement (d. 1923) Collection [Ars Classica VIII (25-8 June 1924) Lot 125].

In a paper published in the 2016 Numismatic Chronicle, Bernard Woytek convincingly argues that this coin references military victories by the moneyer’s grandfather, C. Coelius Caldus (Consul in 94 BCE), in Spain and Transalpine Gaul. The obverse depicts the 94 BC consul, C. Coelius Caldus, as confirmed by the consular title abbreviation COS. References to Spain and Gaul appear on both sides of the coin. The obverse includes a vexillum inscribed HIS[pania] and a boar-shaped standard that was used by Gallic tribes. The reverse has two trophies: the left comprised of Spanish-style armor (round shield and crested helmet); and the right comprised of Gallic-style armor (oblong shield, carnyx, etc.). The left and right portions of the reverse inscription identifies C. Caldus as an imperator for 10 years. In the reverse center, a person prepares the epulum, a ritual meal. Woytek proposes that this meal was a supplication served in honor of C. Coileius Caldus’ victory against the Salluvii in 90 BCE. Caldus’ son Lucius, the moneyer’s father, was a member of the Septemviri Epulones, the college of priests that organized such feasts. Based on the inscription on the table on the reverse of this coin, it seems possible he was a member of this college of priests when they organized the supplication meal in honor of his father. The bottom portion of the reverse inscription identifies our moneyer, Caldus (IIIVIR means he is one of the three men superintending the coining of money). Ultimately, the coin references three members of the family: moneyer, father and grandfather.
5 commentsCarausius04/03/20 at 10:09shanxi: very nice !!

Crawford 103/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, MT Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
MT Series, 211-210 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.03g; 16mm).
Apulian Mint.

Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value) behind.

Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; MT monogram below horses; ROMA in exergue.

References: Crawford 103/2b; Sydenham 183; BMCRR (Italy) 228.

Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 Mar 2020) Lot 292; New York Sale 23 (2010), Lot 99.

Quinarii of the MT series are typically struck on very broad, thin flans, and this coin is no exception. This fabric also yields frequent flan cracks. There are a variety of styles to the monogram and helmet types on these quinarii. The cross bar for the T of the monogram can appear on either the left or right tip of the M. The helmets are typically Attic style, although the RBW Collection included a rare example with a Phrygian helmet. In The RBW Collection book, Andrew McCabe theorizes that the MT series may have been struck in Luceria.
1 commentsCarausius03/28/20 at 03:21PMah: Fantastic obverse in particular

Crawford 068/2, Corn Ear Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
Corn Ear Series, 211-208 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.87g; 15mm).
Sicilian Mint.

Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value) behind.

Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA in line border below.

References: Crawford 68/2b; Sydenham 192; RBW 282 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 Mar 2020) Lot 293; RBW Collection [Numismatica Ars Classica 61 (10 May 2011) Lot 296]; Credit Suisse Sale 5 (1986), Lot 237.

The Crawford 68 series of denarii and quinarii are easily distinguishable from other early, anonymous silver issues by the large spike at the back of Roma’s helmet. The coins of the series come in two varieties: some marked with corn ears on the reverse, and some unmarked; but the style of both varieties are identical. The corn ear mark identifies the series as a Sicilian mint issue.
1 commentsCarausius03/23/20 at 17:23Steve B5: Really nice example of this unique anonymous type.

Crawford 042/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AR Didrachm - Quadrigatus - VERY RARERome. The Republic.
Corn-Ear Series, 214-212 BCE.
AR Didrachm-Quadrigatus (6.83g; 20mm).
Unknown Sicilian Mint.

Obverse: Laureate Janiform head of the Dioscuri.

Reverse: Jupiter and Victory in fast quadriga galloping right; corn ear below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.

References: Crawford 42/1; RBW 138 (this coin); Sydenham 66 (R8); BMCRR 108; Hersh 9a (O-6; R-4).

Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 47 (3 Mar 2019) Lot 352; RBW Collection [NAC 61 (2011) Lot 141]; privately purchased from Munzen und Medaillen in August 1981.

The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-212 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.

The Crawford 42 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, is the rarest of all the quadrigati series. In his study of the 42 series quadrigati, Charles Hersh could only locate 33 examples of the type. Based on the corn-ear control symbol, the series was likely struck somewhere in Sicily, perhaps during Rome’s Second Punic War offensive against Syracuse, from 214-212 BCE. While Crawford puts this series last in order of his various quadrigati series, it is likely they were produced near the same time as the debased, lightweight quadrigati that ended the Crawford 28 series. The coins are generally of debased style and metal, thought their weight is good, and in this regard they are similar to Crawford 31 quadrigati. Stylistically, the series 42 quadrigati typically display well-defined, separated “J”-shaped sideburns, with horizontal hairs, on the Janiform head. Neck truncations range from open C curve (as on this example) to straight and V truncations. On the reverse, Jupiter's thunderbolt is entirely within the line border, angle of the horses is on the low-side, and ROMA is always in relief in a linear frame. The type usually has a corn-ear on the reverse beneath the quadriga; however, “anonymous” versions of this series, without corn-ears but stylistically identical to the corn-eared coins, are known.
5 commentsCarausius03/07/20 at 19:58PMah: Very nice.

Crawford 041/9, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Post Semilibral AE Sextans OVER-STRUCK on Semilibral AE UnciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Post-Semilibral, 215-212 BCE.
AE Sextans (11.76g; 25mm) overstruck on AE Uncia.
Rome Mint.

Obverse: o/t: Head of Mercury wearing petasos, facing right; u/t: Prow facing right (not visible);

Reverse: o/t: Prow facing right; ROMA above; two pellets below. u/t: Head of Roma in crested helmet, facing left (remnants of crest visible below prow).

Over-type references: Crawford 41/9; Sydenham 107; BMCRR 72.
Under-type references: Crawford 38/6; Sydenham 86; BMCRR 88.

Overstrike references: Crawford Table XVIII, #18 (12 examples cited).

The economic hardship on Rome imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption in about 217 BCE of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. Around 215 BCE, the weight standard was further reduced and continued reductions occurred thereafter. Because of the weight reductions and wartime exigency, Roman mints often overstruck earlier high-weight coins. It’s uncertain whether overstriking was merely a convenience to avoid producing new flans, or a potential money saving maneuver for the state as smaller denomination, early coins would be over-struck at a higher denomination. Thus, with the above coin, we see a Crawford 38 Uncia over-struck as a Sextans – thus doubling its denomination. The crest of Roma’s helmet from the obverse of the old Uncia remains visible beneath the ship’s prow on the reverse of the new Sextans.
1 commentsCarausius03/07/20 at 19:54PMah: Nice catch!

Crawford 042/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR Didrachm - Quadrigatus - VERY RARERome. The Republic.
Corn-Ear Series, 214-212 BCE.
AR Didrachm-Quadrigatus (6.82g; 21mm).
Unknown Sicilian Mint.

Obverse: Laureate Janiform head of the Dioscuri.

Reverse: Jupiter and Victory in fast quadriga galloping right; corn ear below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.

References: Crawford 42/1; Sydenham 66 (R8); BMCRR 108.

Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 41 (24 Jun 2018) Lot 389; ex NAC 50 (4 Apr 2011), Lot 1729; purchased from Freeman & Sear, before 2011.

The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-212 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.

The Crawford 42 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, is the rarest of all the quadrigati series. In his study of the 42 series quadrigati, Charles Hersh could only locate 33 examples of the type. Based on the corn-ear control symbol, the series was likely struck somewhere in Sicily, perhaps during Rome’s Second Punic War offensive against Syracuse, from 214-212 BCE. While Crawford puts this series last in order of his various quadrigati series, it is likely they were produced near the same time as the debased, lightweight quadrigati that ended the Crawford 28 series. The coins are generally of debased style and metal, thought their weight is good, and in this regard they are similar to Crawford 31 quadrigati. Stylistically, the series 42 quadrigati typically display well-defined, separated “J”-shaped sideburns, with horizontal hairs, on the Janiform head. Neck truncations range from open C curve (as on this example) to straight and V truncations. On the reverse, Jupiter's thunderbolt is entirely within the line border, angle of the horses is on tbe low-side, and ROMA is always in relief in a linear frame. The type usually has a corn-ear on the reverse beneath the quadriga; however, “anonymous” versions of this series, without corn-ears but stylistically identical to the corn-eared coins, are known.
1 commentsCarausius02/23/20 at 19:23quadrans: Great piece ..I like it.. Smile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crawford 341/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, "Mule" Titia/Pansa AE AsRome, The Republic
Q. Titius, 90 BCE
AE As (10.78g; 27mm)

Obv: Head of Janus w/rounded beard (Pansa obv die).

Rev: Prow r; palm-branch behind prow; Q●TITI above (Titius rev die)

Reference: Crawford 341/4d; Hannover 2942 (dies); c.f. Hannover 2974 (Pansa)(obv die)

Provenance: Savoca 12 (22 Jan 2017) Lot 457

Hybrid mule of rare Q. Titius reverse with a "rounded-beard" Janus obverse of Pansa. See Hannover 2974 (Pansa) for only other known example bearing this reverse control mark.

Circa 90 B.C., during the time of the Social War, Q. Titius and C. Vibius C.F. Pansa were co-moneyers at Rome. The Social War was a civil war between Rome and her Italian allies who had broken-away in a demand for citizenship rights. It was a time of massive coinage output by the Rome mints, likely to pay the costs associated with the conflict. Not much is known of TItius or Pansa. TItius is the only member of the TItia gens for whom coins are known. Pansa was possibly the father of the later Pansa who struck coins in 49 BC and became consul in 43BC.

Some of TItius’ silver coin types feature a male head with long, pointed beard. There is speculation that the head represents Mutinus Titinus, another name of the minor god Priapus, and a naming pun for Titius. His AE asses overwhelmingly depict a Janiform head with atypical, long. pointy beard, resembling the head shown on his silver coins.

On the other hand, obverses of Pansa’s AE asses overwhelmingly depict Janus with a more traditional, curled beard. The fact that the obverse styles of Pansa’s and TItius’ contemporaneous asses are so different supports the argument that the pointy-bearded character on TItius’ coins represents someone other than Janus.

The fact that Titius and Pansa served as moneyers at the same time is evidenced by occasional mules of Titius’ pointy-bearded obverses with Pansa reverses and vice versa.

An online search of acsearch, Coin Archives and Coins of the Roman Republic Online yielded only four auction sales and one ANS example of this rare reverse, and all of them were paired with a pointy-bearded obverse. However, the Kestner Museum Hannover has a similar mule that may be a double die match to my coin (see Berger, Hannover 2942). Further, the Kestner Museum has a Pansa AE As in their collection with an apparent obverse die match to my mule (see Berger, Hannover 2974).

Are these Titius/Pansa mules indicative of particular administrative practices at the mint?

One possibility is that obverse dies, which contained no legends, were mixed freely among the two moneyers; however, the overwhelming conformity of pointy-bearded TItius asses and curled-beard Pansa asses refutes this suggestion. The mules are too scarce to suggest any freewheeling intent.

Second possibility is that all dies, TItius’ and Pansa’s, were controlled by a central mint repository which assigned the dies to teams at the commencement of work shifts and likely collected them for security at the end of work shifts. Care was certainly taken to pair pointy-bearded Janus obverses with TItius reverses, as evidenced by the super-majority of extant coins. Mistakes were inevitably made. How long it took the mint to correct such mistakes is unclear. The fact that my collection and the Kestner Museum share a mule from the same dies suggests that a good number of coins were made by those dies. The fact that Kestner Museum also has the same Pansa obverse die paired with a correct Pansa reverse proves that die combination was a likely mistake; whether the correct pairing was made at a previous work shift, at a subsequent work shift when dies were reassigned, or in the middle of the same work shift cannot be determined – the coins are not in such great condition that die states can be easily compared.

Third, the mules suggest that TItius’ and Pansa’s coins were struck at the same mint and perhaps in the same workshop by different striking teams. I don’t think it’s possible to extrapolate whether the dies were controlled on a workshop basis vs. a full mint basis.
1 commentsCarausius02/18/20 at 04:59Jay GT4: Beauty

Crawford 14/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AE Aes Grave SextansRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, circa 280 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Sextans (50.76g; 36mm).

Obverse: Shell seen from outside; two pellets (mark-of-value=2 unciae) below.

Reverse: Caduceus; two pellets (mark-of-value) in field.

References: Crawford 14/5; Vecchi ICC 30.

Provenance: Ex SteveX6 Collection; Collection of a Director [CNG eSale 392 (1 Mar 2017), Lot 434]; Auctiones 5 (2-3 Dec 1975), Lot 285.

Aes Grave were a significant departure from the previous Roman bronze money in that they were denominated with marks of value, and thus did not require weighing. At least three separate series of Roman Aes Grave use shells as types on sextantes (see Crawford 21/5 in this gallery). This is likely a traditional nod to the shell shaped Aes Formatum that were used for monetary exchange prior to the adoption of Aes Grave by Rome. The old Aes Formatum astragaloi (knuckle bones) are similarly re-used on Aes Grave Unciae which depict both sides of a knuckle bone (See Crawford 14/6, 21/6 and 25/9).
1 commentsCarausius02/18/20 at 04:54Jay GT4: Massive

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

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

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

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

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

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

M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
5 commentsCarausius02/16/20 at 07:16okidoki: excellent

Crawford 24/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Roma/Wheel Series, Aes Grave SemisRome, The Republic.
Roma/Wheel Series, c. 230 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Semis (103g; 49mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Bull leaping to left; S (mark of value) below.

Reverse: Wheel with six spokes; S (mark of value) between two spokes.

References: Crawford 24/4; ICC 67; Sydenham 60.

Provenance: Ex H.D. Rauch Auction 95 (30 Sep 2014), Lot 272; Tkalec 2006, Lot 93.

The Roma/Wheel Series of aes grave is an interesting series for its types. This Semis depicts a leaping bull, a device that would be used on later Republican struck bronzes with a snake below the bull (see Crawford 39/2 and 42/2). The wheel on the reverse of this series is previously unseen on Roman coinage. There were several series of Etrurian aes grave bearing spoked wheels produced in the 3rd century BCE (see HN Italy 56-67; ICC 145-190). It is unclear whether these Etrurian aes grave were inspired by or inspiration for the Roman wheel series.

This example is on the light side of reported weights in Haeberlin; however, as museums and collectors tend to favor heavier examples of Aes Grave, Haeberlin’s reported weight range (based on museum and major private collections) is likely “overweight” in heavier specimens. 4 commentsCarausius02/13/20 at 15:26Anaximander: That’s got to be some kind of record. A quarter-p...

Crawford 35/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Janus/Prow Series, Aes Grave SemisRome, The Republic.
Janus/Prow Series, circa 225-217 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Semis (135.3g; 52mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing left; S (mark of value) below neck; all on raised disk.

Reverse: Prow facing right; S (mark of value) above; all on raised disk.

References: Crawford 35/2; ICC 76; Sydenham 73; BMCRR 23-29.

Provenance: Ex Munzen und Medaillen GmbH, Auction 40 (4 Jun 2014), Lot 455; Auctiones AG Auction 13 (1983), Lot 505.

The prow series of libral Aes Grave was a very large issue. E.J. Haeberlin included over 300 examples of the Semis in the weight analysis within his monumental "Aes Grave". The Prow series Aes Grave was initially based on an As of about 270 grams. The iconography likely refers to the role of Rome's new and powerful navy in the victory over Carthage in the First Punic War. Both obverse and reverse iconography from the various denominations of this series would continue through the Republican struck bronze coinage.
3 commentsCarausius02/13/20 at 15:22Anaximander: Amazing. So sharp. And it tips the scales at 135.3...

Crawford 35/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Janus/Prow Series, Aes Grave AsRome, The Republic.
Janus/Prow Series, circa 225-217 BCE.
AE Aes Grave As (256.29g; 64mm).

Obv: Head of Janus; - (value mark) below neck.

Rev: Prow right; I (value mark) above.

Reference: Crawford 35/1; Vecchi, ICC 74; Sydenham 71.

Provenance: Ex Kuenker Auction 280 (26 Sep 2016), Lot 315; ex Hannelore Scheiner Collection; acquired 1966 from Martin Nading of Fort Wayne, IN.

Aes Grave were a significant departure from the previous Roman bronze money in that Aes Grave were denominated with marks of value, and thus did not require weighing. The prow series of Libral Aes Grave was a very large issue. E.J. Haeberlin included nearly 1,200 examples of the As in the weight analysis within his monumental "Aes Grave". The Prow series Aes Grave was initially based on an As of about 270 grams. The iconography likely refers to the role of Rome's new and powerful navy in the victory over Carthage in the First Punic War and to the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus in recognition of the peace. This same iconography subsequently became emblamatic of the As for several centuries of Roman struck bronze coinage.
7 commentsCarausius02/13/20 at 15:19Anaximander: Superb. Portraiture, patina, and provenance. A tri...

Crawford 400/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Axsius Naso, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Axsius Naso, 71 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.90g; 20mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: Beardless head of Mars in helmet with side-feather plumes and peaked visor, facing right; VII (control mark), behind.

Reverse: Diana driving biga of stags to right, spear in right hand; hounds below and behind: VII (control mark) in left field: L·AXSIVS·L·F in exergue.

References: Crawford 400/1a; Sydenham 794 (R6); BMCRR 3448-53; Axia 1.

Provenance: Ex Auctiones eAuction 66 (15 Dec 2019), Lot 224; purchased privately from Nomos; Spink Num. Circ. vol. LXXVI, No. 10 (October 1968), Item 7026 (pl. 19); Sir Charles Oman (d. 1946) Collection [Christie's (2 July 1968) Lot 15 (part)].

The moneyer was identified as a banker on a contemporary tessera nummularia (small bone piece attached to groups of coins for accounting purposes). He is not otherwise known. There are two obverse varieties of this issue of coins, one on which Mars helmet is crested and plumed and the other (this coin) with just side plumes. The dies were paired with matching, Roman numeral control marks; however, the same control marks are known to be used on multiple die pairs. Die numbers I-X were used on this variety. Die numbers XI-XX were used on the crested helmet variety.

Among other things, the goddess Diana was a hunting goddess equated with Artemis and a moon goddess equated with Luna. As huntress, she is often portrayed with bow or spear. In the case of this coin and others of the Republican series, her chariot is drawn by stags which also allude to her hunting connection. The addition of the hounds on this type makes the hunting connection abundantly clear.

This coin is from the Sir Charles Oman Collection. Sir Charles Oman (1860-1946) was a well-published military historian and numismatist. As an historian, he is widely regarded for restructuring medeival battles from myriad accounts. He authored an important book on English coinage in 1931. He collected Greek silver, Roman and English Coins. He was President of the Royal Numismatic Society from 1919-1930 (a remarkable run). He received the Medal of the Royal Numismatic Society in 1928.
3 commentsCarausius02/06/20 at 17:09quadrans: wow, great coin,

Crawford 394/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Postumius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Postumius, 74-73 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 20mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: Draped bust of Diana facing right, with bow and quiver over shoulder.

Rev: Hound running to right; spear below; C. POSTVMI and AT or TA (ligate) in exergue.

References: Crawford 394/1a; Sydenham 785; BMCRR 3238; Postumia 9.

Provenance: Ex Student and Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 347]; ex Frank Sternberg Auction VII (24-5 Nov 1977), Lot 390; ex Cuzzi Collection [Baranowski (Dec 1929) Lot 280].

The moneyer may have been the Caius Postumius that prosecuted Lucius Licinius Murena for election fraud in 63 BCE. It is uncertain what the ligate letters AT (or TA) denote on the reverse, and there is another variety of this issue without the monogram. Diana is a popular deity on coinage produced by the Postumia gens, and the hound and spear on the reverse are also attributes of Diana, the huntress. Diana appears so frequently on Postumian coins because on the eve of the battle of Lake Regillus (c. 496 BCE), during a sacrifice to Diana, the augurs foretold the domination of Rome over Latium. A. Postumius Albinus led the troops at this decisive battle. Thus, the gens subsequently claimed responsibility for fulfilling the prophecy of Diana.

Crawford dated this issue to 74 BCE, but Hersh and Walker in Mesagne down-dated the issue to 73 BCE. Michael Harlan suggests an even later date of 71 BCE.
3 commentsCarausius02/04/20 at 18:39okidoki: great hound

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crawford 427/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Memmius C.f., AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Memmius, 56 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.98g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Ceres, facing right, her hair tied in knot, wearing grain-ear wreath and cruciform earing; C.MEMMI C.F, before.

Reverse: Bound captive kneels before trophy, his hands tied; flanked by IMPERATOR - C.MEMMIVS.

References: Crawford 427/1; Sydenham 920; BMCRR 3937; Memmia 10.

Provenance: Ex CNG Classical Numismatic Review 39 (Jul 2014); Heritage CICF Sale 3032 (10 Apr 2014), Lot 23847; Dix Noonan Webb (30 Sep 2013), Lot 3051; Clarence S. Bement Collection [Naville Ars Classica VIII (25-8 Jun 1924), Lot 246].

Ceres on the obverse relates to a second denarius type of Memmius, which claims that an Aedile named Memmius was the first to hold the games of Ceres (likely before 210 BCE). The reverse refers to a military success of another C. Memmius, which, based on the style of helmet and shield, Michael Harlan suggests may have occurred in Spain.
2 commentsCarausius02/02/20 at 23:49Mark R1: This is a beauty.

Crawford 039/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Semilibral Reduction AE SemunciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE.
AE Struck Semuncia (6.03g; 20mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.

Obverse: Turreted, draped female bust right.

Reverse: Rider on horseback holding whip and galloping right; ROMA below.

Reference: Crawford 39/5; Sydenham 97 (R4); BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 136-138; R. Gobl, Antike Numismatik, pl. 1420 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex CB Collection (private purchase); SC Collection (bought from Richard Pearlman Dec 2015); Numismatic Fine Arts 17 (May 1976); Prof. Bonacini Collection [Rinaldi & Figlio FPL 1 (1942) Lot 4]; Sir Arthur Evans Collection [Ars Classica XVII (3 Oct 1934), Lot 1013]; Martini Collection [R. Ratto (24 Feb 1930) Lot 74].

This coin is part of a short-lived, semi-libral series, struck collateral to the standard prow types (Crawford 38) in 217-215 BC. The economic hardship on Rome imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. The Series 39 types appear quite propagandistic in the context of the Second Punic War. On the obverse of this coin, we have a female bust wearing a turreted crown, a device previously unseen on Roman coinage though frequently seen on eastern Greek coinage. The head may represent Roma, but more likely represents Cybele who protects people and cities during wartime. Cybele’s cult officially appeared in Rome circa 205-204 BCE. The reverse alludes to the cavalry’s importance in the war effort. The coin type would not be repeated in Roman bronze coinage; however a similar type AE Biunx (with horseman carrying spear rather than whip) was produced in Capua from 216-211 BCE, after the Capuans allied with Hannibal. While Crawford, relying on Rudy Thomsen’s analysis, attributes this series to the Rome mint, I believe the types and fabric of the coins are inconsistent with the contemporaneous, Crawford 38 prow types which are also attributed to Rome.
3 commentsCarausius02/02/20 at 18:40quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

Crawford 13/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR DidrachmRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 310-300 (c. 295?) BCE.
AR Didrachm (7.13g; 21mm).
Mint in Central Italy (Neapolis?).

Obverse: Head of Mars, bearded, in crested Corinthian helmet, facing left; oak spray behind.

Reverse: Bridled horse head facing right; [ROMANO] on base below; wheat stalk behind.

References: Crawford 13/1; HNI 266; Sydenham 1; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 1-4.

Provenance: Ex vAuctions Sale 343 (6 Dec 2019) Lot 155; Pegasi Auction VI (8 April 2002), Lot 316.

This coin is part of the very first series of Didrachms produced in the name of Rome. It was a small issue, with only four obverse dies and fifteen reverse dies currently known. In 1974’s Roman Republican Coinage, Crawford assigned the issue to 280-276, however, subsequent evidence and scholarship caused him to reassign the coins to 310-300 BCE. Later scholars, including Rutter in Historia Numorum Italy (2001) have concurred with this revised dating. In a recent tweet, Professor Liv Yarrow announced that her forthcoming book will propose a more recent date of c. 295 BCE; we’ll have to wait for her book to see the evidence to support this re-dating.

While these didrachms bore the inscription ROMANO, they were not struck in Rome and didn’t really circulate in Rome! They were likely produced in Naples or some other nearby mint for a particular purpose. In Coinage & Money Under the Roman Republic (1985), Crawford proposed that the purpose for the issue was the construction of the Appian Way from Rome to Capua, begun in 312 BCE. If Professor Yarrow's proposed later dating is correct, the purpose would need to be reconsidered. The average weight and purity of these coins is consistent with contemporaneous Neapolitan standards, and the fabric of the coins is also consistent with Neapolitan silver issues.

The ROMANO inscription may have been either an abbreviation of the genitive plural ROMANORVM (“of the Romans”) or dative ROMANO (“by the Romans”) either of which would be similar grammar to Greek coin inscriptions.
5 commentsCarausius12/28/19 at 22:52PMah: Great to get the oak leaves!

Crawford 336/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Allius Bala, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Allius Bala, 92 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm).
Rome mint.

Obverse: Diademed head of Diana wearing necklace, facing right; N below chin.

Reverse: Diana Lucifera driving biga of stags to right, holding scepter and reins in left hand and torch in right hand; grasshopper below; C·ALLI in exergue.

References: Crawford 336/1b; Sydenham 595; BMCRR 1744; Aelia 4.

Provenance: Ex CB Collection; privately purchased from CNG (Inventory #940265); The Aurelia Collection [Owl Ltd and Thomas P. McKenna (Oct 1980) Lot 120].

The moneyer is only known from his coins. This type was struck with a series of control letters and symbols. There are multiple dies bearing the same letters and symbols. The grasshopper is the most common of the reverse die symbols, having been paired with most of the obverse letters.

Among other things, the goddess Diana was a hunting goddess equated with Artemis and a moon goddess equated with Luna. As moon goddess, she is often portrayed driving a biga with a crescent above her head or a torch in hand. In the case of this coin and others of the Republican series, her chariot is drawn by stags which also allude to her hunting connection.
2 commentsCarausius12/27/19 at 03:51Jay GT4: Great

Crawford 346/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Censorinus, AE AsRome, The Republic.
C. Censorinus, 88 BCE.
AE As (11.73g; 27mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: NVMA POMPILI ANCVS MARCI; Jugate heads of Pompilius and Ancus Marcius facing right.

Reverse: Prows of crossing ships; to right, a spiral column surmounted by statue of Victory; C.CENSO and ROMA in field.

References: Crawford 346/4a; RBW 1321; Sydenham 715; BMCRR 2415-2418; Marcia 21.

Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 169]; purchased privately from Frank Kovacs, 3/27/1992.

The moneyer, C. Marcius Censorinus, was a supporter of Marius in the struggle against Sulla. He was killed during the conflict circa 82 BCE. He was a member of the gens Marcia, who claimed descent from the early Roman kings Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius. The jugate heads of Pomplius and Marcius are used on much of Censorinus’ silver and bronze coinage. Numa Pompilius was the legendary 2nd king of Rome, who is crediting with establishment of Roman religion and religious institutions. Among these institutions were the sacred college of priests and the position of Pontifex Maximus. Ancus Marcius was the legendary 4th king of Rome. Ancus Marcius ordered the Pontifex Maximus to display some of Numa Pompilius’ religious commentaries to the people of Rome to facilitate proper religious observance.

The reverse of the coin may refer to a naval victory of one of the moneyer’s ancestors, though the precise victory is uncertain.

3 commentsCarausius12/19/19 at 01:56PMah: Another RBW! A busy reverse. I wonder if backgr...

Crawford 174/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, A. Caecilius, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
A Caecilius, 169-158 BCE.
AE Triens (6.88g; 21mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) above.

Reverse: Prow facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) before; A·CAE above.

References: Crawford 174/3; Sydenham 355b; BMCRR 820; Caecilia 10.

Provenance: Ex Gemini XII (11 Jan 2015), Lot 276; RBW Collection [NAC Auction 61 (5-6 October 2011), Lot 735]; privately purchased from Kurt Spanier on 12 Dec 1990.

The moneyer may be the son of the A. Caecilius that is mentioned in Livy as an Aedile in 189 BCE. While asses of A. Caecilius are common (30 specimens in the Paris collection), trientes are scarce (only 4 examples in the Paris collection). This is the case with many second century Republican bronze series; the fractions are often considerably scarcer than the As of the same series, but are frequently overlooked by collectors in favor of the larger denomination.
2 commentsCarausius12/19/19 at 01:53PMah: RBW's Razz

Crawford 053/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, ca. 209-208 BCE
Uncertain Italian Mint
AR Denarius (4.64g; 19mm)

Obv: Head of Roma in peaked-visor helmet, facing right; X (mark of value = 10 asses) behind.

Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA, within full trapezoidal frame, below.

Reference: Crawford 53/2.

Provenance: Ex Hess Divo 331 (1 Dec 2016), Lot 75; ex Giesseener Munzhandlung Dieter Gorny Auktion 44 (1989), Lot 525.

Crawford series 53 Anonymous Denarii can be easily distinguished from the Crawford 44 Anonymous Denarii by "peaked" visor to the helmet. 2 commentsCarausius12/19/19 at 01:50PMah: Wonderful condition.

Crawford 041/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Post Semi-Libral, Aes Grave AE AsRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Post-Semilibral, 215-212 BCE.
AE Aes Grave As (41.26g; 35mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Janus head.

Reverse: Prow facing left; I (mark-of-value) above.

References: Crawford 41/5a; Vecchi 105; Syd 101; Haeberlin pg. 119-123.

Provenance: Ex Spink Auction (23 Mar 2016), Lot 1085; NAC Auction 7 (1 Mar 1994), Lot 419.

By the time of this issue, weight standard of Roman bronze coins had reduced to the point that larger denomination bronzes could be struck from dies. The Crawford 41 series contains both cast and struck asses. Crawford acknowledged that he was likely lumping multiple series into the 41 series. The cast asses are of widely varying weight with style ranging from mediocre to comically horrendous. The devices also vary, with prows facing left or right. Haeberlin reports weights ranging from 132 grams down to 41 grams. There are probably multiple issues produced by multiple mints at play. This is not surprising as the exigent wartime circumstances (Hannibal's invasion) may have forced decentralized coin production.

1 commentsCarausius12/19/19 at 01:49PMah: Quite nice. Some of this type barely look like a ...

Crawford 114/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Rostrum Tridens Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Rostrum Tridens Series, 206-195 BCE.
AE As (30.7g; 34mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark-of-value) above.

Reverse: Prow facing right; rostrum tridens and I (mark-of-value) above.

References: Crawford 114/2; Sydenham 245; BMCRR (Rome) 451-3.

Provenance: Ex Dr. Hans Neussel (d. 1993) Collection [Peus Auction 420/421 (1 Nov 2017) Lot 73]; purchased from Dr. Kurt Deppert Kunsthandlung, Frankfurt (July 1958).

Shortly after the introduction of the denarius coinage, the Romans began adding symbols and letters to their coins. In many cases both anonymous coins and coins with symbols/letters can be linked by identical styles, suggesting they were near-contemporaneous issues by the same mint. Symbols were frequently re-used on subsequent series; see, for example the three separate Anchor Series of coins produced in the late third century and second century BCE.

This particular bronze As bears the symbol of a rostrum tridens – the bronze ramming prow of a Roman galley. This symbol had been previously used on an earlier issue of denarii (Crawford 62). The rostrum tridens was an important symbol to the Romans, representing both the strength of their navy, which had become a powerful force in the Western Mediterranean from its start in the First Punic War, and the trophies of naval victories. Rostra were often taken from captured vessels. The Romans used six captured rostra to decorate the speaking platform, thereafter referred to as the Rostra, in the Comitium. Even today, a speaking platform is called a rostrum.
1 commentsCarausius12/14/19 at 10:39Jay GT4: Great looking coin. Wish the pic was bigger

Crawford 433/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Junius Brutus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Junius Brutus, 54 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.79g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Libertas, facing right, her hair up, wearing necklace of pendants and cruciform earing; LIBERTAS behind.

Reverse: L. Junius Brutus walking left with two lictors and an accensus; BRVTVS in exergue.

References: Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906; BMCRR 3862; Junia 31.

Provenance: Ex Dr. Michael Phillip Collection [Stack's Bowers 2016 NYINC Auction (12 Jan 2016) Lot 31131]; Stack's Auction, 7-8 Dec 1989, Lot 3233; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3-4 May 1978), Lot 511].

Struck by chief assassin of Caesar during his early political career. At this time, Brutus was in opposition to Pompey, and it's likely that this coin type is intended to remind the general public of Brutus' pedigree against tyranny. Brutus’ ancestor, Lucius Junius Brutus, overthrew the Etruscan kings of Rome and helped form the Republic, becoming one of the first Consuls in 509 BCE. The reverse of this coin shows Lucius Junius Brutus, as Consul, walking with his attendant lictors and accensus. Liberty on the obverse alludes to the overthrow of the monarchy – a role that the moneyer himself would play 10 years after this coin was struck.

A few words on those men accompanying Brutus on the reverse:

The lictors were attendants who carried fasces and accompanied the consuls at all times. They proceeded before the senior consul and cleared his path and they walked behind the junior consul. They also made arrests, summonses and executions. A consul had twelve lictors.

The accensi were civil servants that also accompanied the magistrates in addition to lictors and acted as heralds. They typically walked behind the magistrate, but an early custom had them precede the consul in the months when the lictors did not walk before him. This appears to be the scene depicted on this coin – the accensus precedes Brutus and one of the lictors is behind him.
5 commentsCarausius12/11/19 at 21:23David Atherton: Superb!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crawford 27/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Club Series, AE Double LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Club Series, circa 230 BCE.
AE Double Litra (7.35g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules in lion skin headdress, facing right; club below.

Reverse: Pegasus flying to right; club behind; ROMA below.

References: Crawford 27/3; Sydenham 7; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 51-2; Historia Numorum Italy 316.

Provenance: Ex CNG eSale 453 (2 Oct 2019) Lot 452; David Freedman Collection [CNG 61 (25 Sep 2002) Lot 4].

This is among the earlies struck Roman bronze coinage to be issued in concert with Roman silver coinage. Both the 27/1 Didrachm and this AE Double Litra (and its related Litra) share a common club symbol on obverse and reverse. The dating for this type has been in flux, with Crawford choosing a later date of 230-226 BCE while Burnett recently assigned a date just before 230 BCE.
1 commentsCarausius11/29/19 at 19:58PMah: Very nice, great weight. (This one caused a blood-...

Crawford 039/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE SextansRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, 217-215 BCE.
AE Sextans (25.91g; 29mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.

Obverse: She-wolf facing right, head turned left, suckling the twins, Romulus & Remus; ●● (mark-of-value) below.

Reverse: Eagle facing right with flower in beak; ROMA to right; ●● (mark-of-value) behind.

References: Crawford 39/3; Sydenham 95; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 120-124; RBW 107.

Provenance: Ex Reinhold Faelton Collection [Stack's (20-2 Jan 1938) Lot 923]; Otto Helbing Auction (24 Oct 1927) Lot 3267.

The economic hardship imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. From 217-215, Rome produced two, contemporaneous series of struck bronzes on this new, semi-libral weight standard. From hoard evidence, we know the first of the two series was Crawford 38, consisting of “prow” types derived from the libral and semi-libral prow Aes Grave (Crawford 35 and 36) that preceded it. These "prow" coins were almost certainly produced in Rome and likely also in satellite military mints as needed. The second series of struck semi-libral bronzes was the enigmatic Crawford 39 series, with its unusual types, production of which commenced after the start of the 38 Series prow-types (hoards containing 39s almost always include 38s) and produced in much smaller numbers than the huge 38 Series.

The types on the Crawford 39 series are entirely pro-Roman, at a time that the Republic was in dire straits under threat of Hannibal’s invasion. This Sextans depicts the favorable founding of Rome, with the She-wolf suckling the City’s mythical founders, Romulus and Remus, on one side, and a powerful eagle bringing them additional nourishment or good omen on the other. This is the first depiction of the Wolf and Twins on a Roman bronze coin, the scene previously being depicted on a silver didrachm circa 269 BCE (Crawford 20/1).

Reinhold Faelton (1856 - 1949) was a musician, composer, the Dean and founder in 1897 of the Faelton Pianoforte School of Boston, Massachusetts, and a coin collector for over 50 years. His collection of ancient coins was sold by Stacks in January 1938. This Stack's catalogue was one of the earliest to feature photographs of actual ancient coins in the plates, rather than photos of plaster casts of the coins (which was the standard at the time). The resulting plates were mixed-quality but mostly poor, making it an arduous task to use this catalogue for provenance matching.
1 commentsCarausius11/25/19 at 17:51curtislclay: Nice coin, pedigree, and write-up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crawford 039/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE QuadransRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE.
AE Struck Quadrans (38.77g; 31mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.

Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules in boarskin headdress, facing right; three pellets (mark of value=3 unciae) behind.

Reverse: Bull leaping right, snake below; three pellets (mark of value = 3 unciae) above; ROMA below.

Reference: Crawford 39/2; Sydenham 94; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 116.

Provenance: Ex SKA/Credit Suisse (Bern) 7 (27-29 Apr 1987), Lot 656; Dr. Busso Peus Auction 300 (28 Oct 1980), Lot 206; Munz Zentrum Auktion XXX (21 Nov 1977) Lot 76; Signorelli Collection.

This coin is part of a short-lived, semi-libral series, struck collateral to the standard prow types (Crawford 38) in 217-215 BC. The economic hardship on Rome imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. The Series 39 types and their relationship to contemporaneous Second Punic War events are interesting to ponder. Hercules is an important figure, appearing on two of the 10 available sides of the series. Likely this is a paradigm of Roman strength and heroism during the War. While Crawford attributes this series to the Rome mint, I believe the types and fabric of the coins are inconsistent with the contemporaneous, Crawford 38 prow types which are also attributed to Rome.

Frequent visitors to my gallery may notice that this coin is a duplicate of a coin already in my collection. Indeed, I recently chose to upgrade my original specimen (viewable here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-143993 ) with this companion. The type is difficult to find as well preserved as this specimen, so when I saw this coin, I snatched it up. For now, I’ll keep them both. The pair illustrates the general fabric of this series – well made, conical flans, likely produced in open moulds; flat fields (struck from flat-planed dies); and generally low relief.

1 commentsCarausius10/25/19 at 03:46Jay GT4: Great patina and fabulous coin

Crawford 194/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anchor (Third) Series, AE AsRome. The Republic
Anchor (Third) Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (35.22g; 35mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value), above.

Reverse: Galley prow facing right; I (mark of value), above; anchor, before; ROMA, below.

References: Crawford 194/1; Sydenham 238; BMCRR 519; RBW 831.

Provenance: Ex Dr. Walter Neussel Jr. Collection [Peus Auction 420/421 (1 Nov 2017), Lot 72]; ex M&M Deutschland 9 (2001), Lot 338; Munz Zentrum Auktion XXX (21 Nov 1977) Lot 137.

The two series of Anchor bronzes are easily distinguishable by style and fabric. The first bronze anchor series (Cr 50) is of finer style and struck on good quality flans; the second bronze anchor series (actually the third anchor series overall) (Cr 194), exhibited here, is less refined, with upward gazing Janus and often poorly cast flans. In BMCRR, Grueber suggests a possible connection between coins with anchor symbol and the Quinctia gens, because anchor symbols also occur with the letter Q (see Crawford 86B).
1 commentsCarausius10/25/19 at 03:46Jay GT4: Very cool provenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crawford 343/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Porcius Cato, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
M. Porcius Cato, 89 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.08g; 14mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: M.CATO; Liber head facing right wearing ivy wreath; rudder (control mark) below.

Reverse: VICTRIX; Victory seated left, holding patera in outstretched hand and palm over left shoulder.

References: Crawford 343/2b; Sydenham 597c; BMCRR (Italy) 677-93var (symbol); Porcia 7.

Provenance: Ex Elsen 141 (15 Jun 2019) Lot 152; Elsen List 60 (Oct 1983), Lot 37.

The precise identity of the moneyer is uncertain. Crawford believes the obverse head of Liber alludes to the Porcian Laws which broadened the rights of Roman citizens with respect to punishments and appeals. This issue of quinarii was huge, with Crawford estimating 400 obverse and 444 reverse dies. The obverse appears in two varieties: one with control marks below the head, and one without. The control marks include Greek and Latin letters, numbers and symbols.
4 commentsCarausius08/28/19 at 04:19PMah: Very nice example.

Crawford 323/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Julius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Julius, 101 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.0g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; corn ear behind

Reverse: Victory in biga galloping right; L.IVLI below.

References: Crawford 323/1; Sydenham 585; BMCRR 1676; Julia 3.

Provenance: Ex Collection of a World War II Veteran; acquired July 1963 from Richard M. Muniz.

The moneyer was likely not a Caesar, though a member of the same Julia gens. Comparatively, just a few years earlier, in 103 BCE, an L. Julius Caesar struck coins with a prominent “CAESAR” inscription. The corn ear on the obverse may refer to a corn distribution, the purchase of which might have been the purpose of the coins.
1 commentsCarausius07/28/19 at 04:23Steve B5: Difficult to imagine a more perfect example.

Crawford 106/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, "Anonymous" Staff and Club Series, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Staff and Club Series, 208 BCE.
AE Semis (16.22g; 28mm).
Etrurian Mint.

Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind

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

References: Crawford106/5 var (no symbol above prow); McCabe Group E1.

Provenance: Ex Naville 48 (7 Apr 2019) Lot 326; Otto Collection [Hess (Dec 1931), Lot 822]; Niklovitz Collection [L. Hamburger 76 (19 Oct 1925), Lot 240].

In "Roman Republican Coinage", Michael Crawford recognized many silver “symbol” Republican series for which there were parallel “anonymous” types omitting the symbols. In his article “Unpublished Roman Republican Bronze Coins” (Essays Hersh, 1998), Roberto Russo noted that the parallel issue of anonymous silver coins to series with symbols applies equally to the bronze coins. (Essays Hersh, 1998, p. 141). Andrew McCabe takes this approach much further in his article “The Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage of the Roman Republic” (Essays Russo, 2013) in which he links many of the anonymous Republican bronzes to symbol series based on precise style considerations. The takeaway from all this is that for many of the Roman Republican symbol series of the late Second Punic War and early 2nd Century BCE, there are parallel anonymous series identifiable by style. The rationale for these parallel issues is unclear, though possibly related to (a) governmental approvals for the issue or (b) mint control of the metal source from which the issue was struck or (c) workshop identification.

This coin is an anonymous version (missing symbol) of the Staff and Club Semis of the Crawford 106 series, produced in Etruria. It is identical in style to the Etrurian Staff and Club coins and only misses the symbols. Not surprisingly, these coins are commonly misattributed as Crawford 56 anonymous bronzes.
1 commentsCarausius07/21/19 at 06:36quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

Crawford 24/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Roma/Wheel Series, Aes Grave SemisRome, The Republic.
Roma/Wheel Series, c. 230 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Semis (103g; 49mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Bull leaping to left; S (mark of value) below.

Reverse: Wheel with six spokes; S (mark of value) between two spokes.

References: Crawford 24/4; ICC 67; Sydenham 60.

Provenance: Ex H.D. Rauch Auction 95 (30 Sep 2014), Lot 272; Tkalec 2006, Lot 93.

The Roma/Wheel Series of aes grave is an interesting series for its types. This Semis depicts a leaping bull, a device that would be used on later Republican struck bronzes with a snake below the bull (see Crawford 39/2 and 42/2). The wheel on the reverse of this series is previously unseen on Roman coinage. There were several series of Etrurian aes grave bearing spoked wheels produced in the 3rd century BCE (see HN Italy 56-67; ICC 145-190). It is unclear whether these Etrurian aes grave were inspired by or inspiration for the Roman wheel series.

This example is on the light side of reported weights in Haeberlin; however, as museums and collectors tend to favor heavier examples of Aes Grave, Haeberlin’s reported weight range (based on museum and major private collections) is likely “overweight” in heavier specimens. 4 commentsCarausius07/21/19 at 06:35quadrans: Great piece ..I like it.. Smile

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

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

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

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

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

This series is the second of the “prow” struck bronze series. It is most easily recognized by the left side of the prow device which has a clearly delineated edge, while on later series the left side of the prow appears to extend off the side of the coin. The series was issued during the Second Punic War and reflects the continued reduction in weight standard of the Roman bronze coinage during the conflict; this issue having occurred on the heels of the “semi-libral reduction” of 217-215 BCE. It would soon be followed by further weight reductions.
2 commentsCarausius07/13/19 at 07:30quadrans: Nice one

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