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Last comments - Jay GT4
Byblos_BMC8.jpg
Phoenicia, Byblos, king Ainel, BMC 8Phoenicia, Byblos, King Ainel, 350-333 BC
AR - 1/16 shekel, 0.77g, 1.32mm, 135°
struck 333 BC
Obv.: Galley with lion-headed figure on prow and manned by 2 hoplites to l., below
winged hippocampus to l.
Rev: Lion to l. attacking bull
above Phoenician from r. to l. AJNEL MLK GBL (Ainel King of Gebal)
Ref: BMC 8
VF-EF, lettering completely legible, 4 small test cuts
1 commentsJochen03/27/24 at 03:41Jay GT4: I like the Stylized reverse
D125a.jpg
RIC 125 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 1.97g
Rome Mint, 81-82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG; Head of Minerva, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 125 (C). BMC 486. BNC -.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, February 2024.

A fairly common early Domitianic quadrans, struck either in 81 or early 82. The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait, here instead we have Domitian's patron deity Minerva on the obverse. Tariffed at a quarter of an as, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii).

Honest example with original patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/24 at 03:27Jay GT4: Lovely
Athenian_Tritartemorion_Athena_and_AOE.jpg
05 Attica, Athenian TritartemorionObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves and a floral scroll, profile eye.
Rev:, E☉A within three crescents - horns inward - arranged in a circle, all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tritartemorion; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 400/390 - 294 BC1; Weight: .78g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Traité p. 102 no. 36 pl. CXC 21 - 24, var. two legend arrangements and two arrangements indistinguishable; Svoronos Athens pl. 17, 44 - 48, var. legend arrangement; SGCV I 2542, var. legend arrangement; Kroll 21 a and b, pl. 3, 21a2; SNG München 118 - 122, var. legend arrangement; HGC 4, 1668, var. legend arrangement.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Kroll’s referenced legend arrangement is different than on this coin, although he does state that variations exist. He does not enumerate those variations.

Provenance: Ex. cgb.fr Numismatics March 12, 2024

Photo Credits: cgb.fr Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
3 commentsTracy Aiello03/24/24 at 15:51Jay GT4: Nice little piece
D105.jpg
RIC 105 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 26.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 105 (C2). BMC 274. BNC 285.
Acquired from Classic World Coins, February 2024.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types from Titus, his first two issues of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity. This common sestertius struck in early 82, just prior to the mint's overhaul later the same year, demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/24/24 at 05:29Jay GT4: A sassy looking Minerva
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 23:15Jay GT4: Outstanding!
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/22/24 at 04:07Jay GT4: Agreed. Great elephant
D736a.jpg
RIC 736 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 736 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, 14 February 2024.

Domitian struck the same series of four Minerva types for his denarii regularly every year from 83 onwards. Some issues are more rare than others - a few are very rare. This coin is from a very rare issue struck towards the end of summer 92 and can be dated by the TR P XI and IMP XXII, an exceedingly rare combination. This series commemorating his 22nd imperial acclamation was most likely awarded for a victory against the Sarmatians and Suevi near the end of the campaigning season just before he became TR P XII on 14th September. The rarity of this dating combination indicates how tight the window was for this issue's production. Struck in such haste, the second 'I' in the imperial acclamation date is often squeezed in on reused dies from the previous issue (as is the case with the present coin). Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/21/24 at 11:32Jay GT4: A sleeper, I like that term for this coin. Congra...
E0C74C88-CA30-4FAE-8697-003B77391707.jpeg
Augustus: Augustus 27 BCE-AD 14Augustus AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: ca. 2 BC-AD 4
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE
Reverse: C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT
Type: Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing, each, togate, resting hand on shield and spear, simpulum, right and litmus, left, flanking, left and right respectively
Mint: Lugdunum
Weight & Measures: 3.74g; 19mm
RIC: RIC 1, 207
Provenance: Ex. CNG E-Auction 557; Lot 974
Purchase: (part of lot of 8 ancient coins).

Translation: OB: Caesar Augustus Divi Filius, pater patriae; for Caesar Augustus, son of a god, father of the country.
Translation: REV: Gaius and Lucus Caesars, Sons of Augustus, designated consul, and leader of the youth.

Notes: The most common type of the Gaius and Lucius Denarius of Augustus. Agrippa’s two sons with his wife Julia (Octavians only daughter). Gaius and Lucius were adopted by the emperor and carefully groomed as his successors. To honor and publicize this, both of the young brothers appear side by side on the reverse of this denarius (abbreviated from CoinWeek IQ, June 29, 2020.)
2 commentsJustin L103/19/24 at 12:14Jay GT4: Nice full legends
Aureus_Hadrian_RIC_120_HD.png
Hadrian Aureus, RIC² 120HADRIAN (117-138). GOLD Aureus.
AD 118. Rome mint.
Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, with slight drapery.
Rev: P M TR P COS II / ORIENS. Radiate and draped bust of Sol right.
Weight: 7.19 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.
RIC² 120; Calicó 1295b.
Condition: Very fine.
Ex History Numis, Belgium.
Ex Numismatik Naumann Auction 135, 508

3 commentsvindelicus03/18/24 at 18:16Jay GT4: Love that reverse
D789A.jpg
RIC 789A DomitianAR Denarius, 3.44g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 789A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex JLB Coins, eBay, 7 February 2024. Formerly in NGC holder #4184475-010, with grade Ch VF.

A second known example of the M3 Minerva type from the 95-96 denarius issue with aegis portrait. Domitian's aegis portraits on denarii were more commonly struck in 84 and 85, sparingly so afterwards. The Rome mint was experimenting with new reverse designs and portrait types for the denarius issues during the last year of the reign. Perhaps the reintroduction of the aegis may have been part of this new programme? Of course we shall never know - Domitian's assassination in September 96 cut short any experimentation with his coinage. This rare variant only came to light recently and has been added to the RIC II.1 Addenda as RIC 789A.
4 commentsDavid Atherton03/18/24 at 04:00Jay GT4: Great rarity!
Vespasian_denarius_Salus.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (SALVS AVG, RIC II 513) v.1VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (19.05mm, 3.59g, 12h)
Struck AD 73. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: SALVS AVG, Salus seated left, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left hand at side
References: RIC II 513, RCV 2307 var. (obv. leg.)

Lightly toned. A well-struck specimen of good weight, with a fine portrait and underlying luster. Formerly in NGC holder (2119234-002), graded Ch VF.
2 commentsCPK03/17/24 at 04:18Jay GT4: Wonderful portrait
Phoenicia_Tyre_RPC_4739.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyre AE (Tyche/palm, RPC 4739) v.1PHOENICIA, TYRE
Time of Nero
AE (13.75mm, 3.06g, 12h)
Struck AD 54/5
Obverse: Veiled head of Tyche with palm right
Reverse: ΤΥ ΙΕΡΑ ΑΣΥ, 𐤋𐤑𐤓, ΡΠ, palm tree
References: RPC Online, Vol. I, No. 4739.4 (this coin)
This coin illustrated on wildwinds.com

A very rare type with good surfaces and detail.
1 commentsCPK03/14/24 at 03:27Jay GT4: A great type. Really like the palm tree
Vlasto_1276.jpg
CALABRIA, Taras. AR Diobol, c. 380-325 BC. AR. 1.10 g. 11.30 mm.
Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a hippocamp.
Rev. Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; in left field, club and bow; [Δ to upper left].
HN Italy 914; Vlasto 1276.
About VF.
2 commentsLeo03/14/24 at 02:25Jay GT4: Dynamic reverse!
Gallienus_Virtus_RIC_V_534.jpg
Gallienus Virtus RIC V 534Gallienus, Mediolanum (Milan), 253 - 268 AD, Struck 264 AD, 20mm, 2.55g, RIC V Gallienus 534k: Subtype 1
OBV: GALLIENVS AVG, Radiated head of Galienus
REV: VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing facing left carrying spear and shield, around legend
1 commentsSRukke03/13/24 at 04:15Jay GT4: Detailed reverse
Attica_Athens_tetradrachm_Athena-owl.jpg
Attica, Athens Tetradrachm (Athena/owl, HGC 4 1597) v.1ATTICA, ATHENS
AR Tetradrachm (24.57mm, 17.21g, 8h)
Struck 454-404 BC
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye
Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; ΑΘΕ to right; all within incuse square
References: HGC 4, 1597

Lightly toned. These large silver tetradrachms were struck in huge numbers by Athens during its golden age in the mid-5th century BC, to pay for the city-state's grandiose building projects and expansionist wars. They are among the most recognized and most iconic coins of ancient history.
5 commentsCPK03/13/24 at 04:14Jay GT4: Fantastic! Almost the entire crest is on flan.
RPC2649.jpg
RPC 2649 DomitianÆ Obol, 5.12g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙA; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RPC 2649 (13 spec.). Emmett 308.11. Dattari-Savio 600.
Acquired from Herakles, January 2024. Ex Naville Auction 76, 2 October 2022, lot 183.

A decently rare Alexandrian obol from Domitian's regnal year 11. The dolphin is the totem animal of Poseidon and likely can be viewed in that context here. One cannot help but be reminded of an identical dolphin and anchor pulvinar type struck previously by Titus and Domitian between 80-82 at Rome on the denarius. This coin is cited in the RPC online database. https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coin/438475
4 commentsDavid Atherton03/13/24 at 04:13Jay GT4: Love the reverse
Horation_Nelson_Medal_100th_Anniversary_Battle_of_Trafalgar.jpg
Great Britain Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson 1758 - 1805Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, WM Medal

Silver medal, Hardy 110, Brown BHM 3923, Eimer –, EF, light scratches and marks, weight 11.628g, maximum diameter 31.8mm, die axis 0o, 1905; obverse HORATIO VISCOUNT NELSON . K · B · DUKE OF BRONTE · &, uniformed bust of Admiral Lord Nelson left; reverse ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY, CENTENARY / OF THE / BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR / 1905 in four lines above, view of the naval battle, TRAFALGAR / OCT.21.1805 in two lines in exergue; from the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

Struck by Spink & Sons, after Küchler.

Descriptive Write-Up and Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins.
4 commentsTracy Aiello03/12/24 at 23:44Jay GT4: That's quite the medal!
MixCollage-02-Mar-2024-12-33-PM-697~5.jpg
Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC
AR Didrachm (21mm, 6.11g)
Philemenos magistrate.
O: Naked boy riding horse right; [ΦI] before, ΦIΛHME-NOΣ (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin right, holding tripod in extended right hand, trident upwards in left; filleted bucranium in field to right, [T]APAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1391; Vlasto 884-87; SNG ANS 1204; HGC I, 891; HN Italy 1035
Scarce
ex Senatus Consulto
3 commentsEnodia03/12/24 at 21:34Jay GT4: Congrats Peter
Marcus_Aurelius_denarius_seated_Victory.jpg
Marcus Aurelius Denarius (Seated Victory, RIC III 303 var.) v.1MARCUS AURELIUS, AD 161-180
AR Denarius (18.15mm, 3.60g, 6h)
Struck AD 174. Rome mint
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII, laureate and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius right
Reverse: IMP VII COS III, Victory seated left, holding patera and palm
References: RIC III 303 var. (bust type), MIR 281-4/35

Toned with an outstanding portrait. An extremely rare variant featuring a cuirassed bust.
This coin illustrated on wildwinds.com
6 commentsCPK03/12/24 at 12:17Jay GT4: Outstanding!
107~2.jpg
Kroton, Bruttium 300-250 BC
AE13 (13mm, 2.03g)
O: Octopus
R: Scallop shell
Vlasto 1855; SNG Cop 1089; HN Italy 1095 (as Taras); SNG ANS 447 (as Kroton); HN Italy 2240 (as Kroton)
Rare
ex Bertolami Fine Arts

A very rare and enigmatic coin with conflicted attributions.
SNG Copenhagen places this coin at Taras, as does Vlasto, although Vlasto puts it under the heading "Bronze Coins Doubtfully Attributed to Tarentum" and claims Kroton as a probable alternative.
SNG ANS gives it clearly to Kroton, while HN Italy seems to attribute both cities with varying catalog numbers.
I believe this coin is likely from Kroton as this city-state often used the octopus as a common device.
2 commentsEnodia03/12/24 at 01:52Jay GT4: Nice find
Septimius_123.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 257Septimius Severus AR denarius

3.40g, 20.0mm, 180 degrees, Rome mint, 202-210 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 257. Cohen 109. BMCRE V 315.

O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right.

R: COS III LVDOS SAECVL FEC, Bacchus (Liber) standing to right, emptying oenochoe over leopard and holding thyrsus, and Hercules standing to left, holding club and lion skin.

1 example in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.94.

Ex-Roma Numismatics E-sale 117, lot 909, February 22, 2024.
3 commentsRon C203/12/24 at 01:51Jay GT4: Never seen a reverse type like that
T503A.jpg
RIC 503A TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.03g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR DIVI VESP F AVG P M; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503A (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 96. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Savoca Blue E9, 15 July 2018, lot 965.

A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends, and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare dupondius features a variant obverse legend previously unattested at this mint. A recent discovery, just two specimens are cited by the RIC II.1 Addenda, Curtis Clay had two others ... so possibly only four known. Clay proposes his two former specimens, which share an obverse die, were struck at a separate eastern mint rather than the 'Thracian' one.

3 commentsDavid Atherton03/11/24 at 04:02Jay GT4: Superb rarity!
Titus_as_Judaea_Capta.jpg
Titus As (IVDAEA CAPTA, RIC II 1268) v.1TITUS as Caesar, AD 69-79
AE As (29.56mm, 9.42g, 6h)
Struck AD 77/8. Lugdunum mint
Obverse: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR, laureate head of Titus right
Reverse: IVDAEA CAPTA, Judaea seated right mourning under palm tree, shields and vexillum behind, S C in exergue
References: RIC II 1268, RCV 2475

Warm brown patina with smoothly worn surfaces. This is one of many types commemorating the defeat of the Jewish rebels by Vespasian and his son Titus during the First Jewish War (AD 66-73)
3 commentsCPK03/11/24 at 00:31Jay GT4: Historic type
Domitian_quadrans_Rhinoceros.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Domitian, AE Quadrans, RIC II 250DOMITIAN, AD 81-96
AE Quadrans (17.62mm, 2.58g, 6h)
Struck AD 84/5. Rome mint
Obverse: African rhinoceros, head down, charging left
Reverse: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM around large S C
References: RIC II 250, RCV 2835

A choice specimen, perfectly centered and well-struck from artistic dies.
7 commentsCPK03/11/24 at 00:30Jay GT4: Now that's a rhino!
BCC_M4_Ibis_Crocodile_Minima.jpg
BCC M4 Ibis Crocodile MinimaRoman Provincial - Minima
Alexandria, Egypt or Caesarea Mint
Uncertain emperor, 1st Century CE.
AE Chalkous, variously attributed to
Augustus or Caligula.
Obv: Ibis walking to left.
Rev: Crocodile to right, disc above.
AE 9.0x12.5mm. 0.68gm. Axis:270
Possibly a local imitation. Not listed
in Hamburger, Atiqot Vol 1, (1954)
cf. RPC I 5111.7; cf. Dattari 113; cf.
Emmett 4260 or 68. Red and black
ceramic patina, as found. Very rare.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1971
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)
2 commentsv-drome03/10/24 at 22:14Jay GT4: Really great piece
Nerva_denarius_Fortuna.jpg
Nerva Denarius (Fortuna, RIC II 4) v.1NERVA, AD 96-98
AR Denarius (18.38, 3.36g, 6h)
Struck AD 96. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head of Nerva right
Reverse: FORTVNA AVGVST, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on ground in right hand and cornucopiae in left
References: RIC II 4, RCV 3025

A choice specimen, with attractive toning and a finely styled portrait. Well-centered and struck on a good flan.
From the Tony Chibbaro Collection.
2 commentsCPK03/10/24 at 04:22Jay GT4: Fine style portrait
Augustus_tetradrachm_Syria_Antioch.jpg
Syria, Antioch Tetradrachm (Augustus/Tyche & Orontes, RPC I 4155) v.1SYRIA, ANTIOCH
Time of Augustus
AR Tetradrachm (27.38mm, 12.57g, 12h)
Struck 2 BC
Obverse: ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ, laureate head of Augustus right
Reverse: ΕΤΟΥΣ ΘΚ ΝΙΚΗΣ, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock holding palm branch, before river god Orontes swimming right, head facing; monograms and date in right field
References: RPC I 4155

Dark toning. Attractive portrait.
Ex Seaby, London (April 1980)
1 commentsCPK03/10/24 at 04:22Jay GT4: Always liked this type and on a nice big flan
Larissa_Obol_2X_Head_Axe_Profile_L_Jason_Sandle_R.jpg
000011 Larissa Profile Left Double Headed Axe in Front, Jason’s Sandal RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: Larissa in profile to the l., double headed ax before. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Jason’s sandal to the r., Λ - Α above. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 490 - 480 BC????; Weight: .86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 120º; References, for example: Weber 2826, var. sandal l.; Traité p. 1011 no. 1415 pl. XLIII 6, var. legend ΛΑRΙ, sandal l., Ξ below; SNG Cop 90, var. no mention of ax; Kagan 2004, p. 85, pl. 1, 4, legend? var. sandal l.; BCD Thessaly II 140, var. sandal l., square within incuse, legend ΛΑRΙ retrograde and upside down, H on groundline; HGC 4, 403, legend retrograde and upside down var. sandal l.

Provenance: Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 177 Lot 69 February 22, 2024; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 107 Lot 145 March 16, 2023; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 94 Lot 61 February 24, 2022; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 37 Lot 80 June 24, 2017; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 12 Lot 592 November 1, 2014.

Photo Credits: Roma Numismatics Ltd.

CLICK FOR SOURCES
2 commentsTracy Aiello03/10/24 at 04:13Jay GT4: Great coin!
Hadrian_Sestertius_Restitutori_Hispaniae.jpg
Hadrian Sestertius Restitutori Hispaniae Obv.

HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Draped bust right

Rev.

RESTITVTORI HISPANIAE
Emperor standing left, raising the kneeling figure of Hispania holding branch, rabbit between
SC in ex.

134-138 AD

31.5mm 26.04g

RIC 952 Cohen 1272 BMC 1815
3 commentsancientdave03/10/24 at 04:09Jay GT4: Wonderful portrait
RI_064wb_img.JPG
064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 424Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS - II, Laureate head right
Rev:– VICT AVG, Victory walking left, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left
Minted in Emesa, A.D. 194 - 195
References:– BMCRE 395, VM 150/1, RIC 424, RSC 675a

Ex Spink Auction 18055, Lot 435. Ex. Michael Kelly Collection

2.74 g, 18.02 mm. 180 degree
2 commentsmaridvnvm03/08/24 at 18:07Jay GT4: Great coin. I really like this type of portrait f...
Nero_denarius_eagle-standards.jpg
Nero Denarius (Eagle & Standards, RIC I 68) v.1NERO, AD 54-68
AR Denarius (17.24mm, 3.47g, 7h)
Struck AD 68. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P P, laureate head of Nero right
Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards
References: RIC I 68, RCV 1947

A scarce type. Lightly toned with an excellent portrait.
From the T. R. Hardaker Collection (1942-2019)

"This type, among the last coins struck by the very unmilitary Nero, would seem to be an attempt to curry favor with the Roman legions of the provinces, which were beginning to rebel against his capricious rule. It did not work." - Classical Numismatic Group (lot description)
4 commentsCPK03/08/24 at 18:07Jay GT4: Very nice
Domitian_denarius_Minerva-owl.jpg
Domitian Denarius (Minerva & owl, RIC II 657) v.1DOMITIAN, AD 81-96
AR Denarius (19.29mm, 3.53g, 6h)
Struck AD 88-89. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head of Domitian right
Reverse: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS PPP, Minerva standing right on top of rostral column, holding spear and shield; owl to lower right
References: RIC II 657 (R)

A rare type, well-struck on good metal with light toning. A superb portrait of Domitian in fine style.
2 commentsCPK03/07/24 at 03:56Jay GT4: Nice rarity!
RPC1413a.jpg
RPC 1413 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ19, 3.92g
Dorylaeum (Phrygia) mint, before 79 AD, Ti. Catius Silius Italicus proconsul
Obv: ΤΙΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΙΤΑΛΙΚΩ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΩ ΔΟΡΥΛΑΕΩΝ; Zeus std. l., holding thunderbolt and sceptre
RPC 1413 (8 spec.).
Acquired from collectamoneta, eBay, January 2024.

Dorylaeum first struck coins under Vespasian during the proconsulship of Ti. Catius Silius Italicus sometime before 79. Two denominations are known - 24 mm for Vespasian and 19 mm for Titus Caesar. Qualitative metal analysis shows them to be brass. A local civic issue that is somewhat scarce today.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/06/24 at 03:34Jay GT4: Never heard of Dorylaeum
Augustus_denarius_ob_civis_servatos.jpg
Augustus Denarius (OB CIVIS SERVATOS, RIC I 75a) v.1AUGUSTUS, 27 BC-AD 14
AR Denarius (20.36mm, 3.77g, 7h)
Struck 19 BC. Colonia Patricia mint
Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right
Reverse: OB CIVIS SERVATOS in straight lines above and below oak wreath
References: RIC I 75a, RCV 1625 var.

Toned. Good metal and surfaces. A fine portrait of Caesar Augustus.
2 commentsCPK03/06/24 at 03:33Jay GT4: Fantastic
Oil_Lamp_6.jpg
Oil Lamp #6Greek
(Greek colonies – Howland type 25)
c. 3rd century BC
73 mm (2.9”) (l) x 38.1 (1.5”) (h)

Description:
Wheel-made body, black glazed, large central filling hole, nozzle gouged and broken, inward sloping shoulder, concave underside of base signed in ink:
“Lamp from Macedonia
Kieffer
1915
(ASN)”

Form similar to this Attic example from the Met:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/241699
1 commentsKamnaskires03/05/24 at 02:12Jay GT4: Lovely lamp with an interesting inscription. Who ...
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Marcus Aurelius as Augustus Aureus, RIC 183Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus.
Rome, February - December AD 168.
Obv.: M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head to right.
Rev.: FORT RED TR P XXII IMP V, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; COS III in exergue.
RIC III 183; C. 207; BMCRE 458; Calicó 1857 (these dies).
7.24 g, 20mm.
Extremely fine, traces of mounting.
Ex Teutoburger Münzhandel.
5 commentsvindelicus03/04/24 at 03:08Jay GT4: Wonderful coin. Congrats!
V1144var.jpg
RIC 1144 Vespasian VariantÆ Dupondius, 12.58g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1144 var. (Radiate portrait). BMC -. BNC 803 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 88. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex roman-num, eBay, 19 June 2011.

An early Pax type struck in 71 unique to the Lyon mint. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar reverse was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated. Unique with laureate portrait, RIC records this variety only with a radiate bust. Same obverse die as BNC 801.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/04/24 at 02:22Jay GT4: Another great Clay coin!
14740q00.jpg
001x1a. Kings of Galatia, Amyntas, 37 - 25 B.C.Coin: Bronze AE 23, RPC I 3505; SNG Cop 99; SNGvA 6108; SNG BnF 2377; BMC Galatia p. 3, 12, weight 8.214g, maximum diameter 22.5mm, die axis 0o, obverse bust of Herakles right, club over left shoulder, E - C behind; reverse Nemean lion walking right, B above, AMYNTOY monogram in exergue. A FORUM coin.

Amyntas was a King of Galatia and of several adjacent countries between 36 and 25 BC. He first seemed to have controlled Lycaonia and then added Derbe. He commanded the Galatian auxiliaries sent to help Brutus and Cassius against the Triumvires but deserted to Mark Anthony just before the battle of Philippi in 42 BC. After the death of Deiotarus, Amyntas was made king of Cappadocia in 37 as a client ruler of Mark Antony. He deserted to Octavian shortly before the battle of Actium, and he was confirmed as king of Galatia. After he took over Homonada and killed its ruler, he was killed in an ambush in 25 AD. After his death, Galatia became a Roman province.



1 commentslawrence c03/03/24 at 04:30Jay GT4: Historic figure! Congrats
8CtqLj4mL2bTzGP9P6yX3JyaZ7jS5w.jpg
Arpi, Apulia 275-250 BC
AE 26 (21x26mm, 6.28g)
O: Horse galloping right; APΠI / NOY above and below.
R: Bull butting right.
SNG ANS 644; SNG Cop 608; HGC I, 535; Sear 570; HN 645
ex Marc Breitsprecher
3 commentsEnodia03/02/24 at 22:02Jay GT4: 2 Italian horses on one coin
IMG_7031.jpeg
P. Fonteius P. f. Capito (55 BC)AR Denarius
19.16 mm 3.90 gr.
Obv: P FONTEIVS P F CAPITO III VIR, Mars helmeted draped bust right with trophy over shoulder
Rev: MN FONT TR MIL, Marcus Fonteius on horseback riding right spearing Gaulish enemy having already speared another
Mint: Rome (55 BC)
Crawford 429/1; RSC I 17; Sydenham 900

[As many of you probably knew before me, it was inevitable I would get into Republican coinage. This coin, pointedly, among others, celebrates through stark representation Roman prowess achieved through violence. Although the cited references describe the reverse as a Roman horseman spearing an enemy about to slay an unarmed captive, Crawford noted that the enemy has the same helmet and shield type of the supposed captive. Thus, I subscribe to the view that both infantrymen are Gallic soldiers, one already having been dispatched and the other about to be, celebrating the exploits of the moneyer’s ancestor Marcus Fonteius in Gaul.]
2 commentsKen W203/02/24 at 02:07Jay GT4: Outstanding!
RIC_V-II_904_2a_0_E1_A_2C_112_Probus2C_AE-Ant2C_VIRTVS_PROBI_AVG2C_ADVENTVS_PROBI_AVG2C_-2C_Cyzicus2C_276-277_AD2C_S2C_Q-0052C_0h2C_222C5-232C0mm2C_42C01g-s.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 904.2a.0.E1.A., Cyzicus, ADVENTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-E1, -/-//--, Emperor riding left, Scarce, #5112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 904.2a.0.E1.A., Cyzicus, ADVENTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-E1, -/-//--, Emperor riding left, Scarce, #5
avers: VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield. Shield decorated with a rider right. (E1)
reverse: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG, Emperor riding left, right hand raised, left holding scepter; at foot, captive. (A)
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 23,0mm, weight: 4,01g, axis: 0h,
mint: Cyzicus, 2nd. em. phase a., date: 276-277 A.D.,
ref: RIC V-II 904.2a.0.E1.A., Scarce!
Q-005
3 commentsquadrans02/29/24 at 23:23Jay GT4: Decorated shield is fantastic
RIC_V-II_810_7a_3_F1_A_2C_A_096_No_2082C_112_Probus2C_AE-Ant2C_IMP_C_M_AVR_PROBVS_P_F_AVG2C_VIRTVS_PROBI_AVG2C_T_XXI2C_S2C_Siscia2C_280AD2C_Q-0012C_0h2C_22-23mm2C_42C0g-s.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Siscia, Alföldi 0096.0208, -/T//XXI, Bust-F1, RIC V-II 810.7a.3.F1.A., AE-Antoninianus, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Mars walking right, Rare, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Siscia, Alföldi 0096.0208, -/T//XXI, Bust-F1, RIC V-II 810.7a.3.F1.A., AE-Antoninianus, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Mars walking right, Rare, #1
avers: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield. (F1)
reverse: VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy; T right-field. (A)
exergue: -/T//XXI, diameter: 22,0-23,0mm, weight: 4,00g, axis: 0h,
mint: Siscia, 7th emission of Siscia, 280, date: 280 A.D.,
ref: RIC V-II 810, C-, Alföldi type 96, n° 208; Rare,
RIC V-II 810.7a.3.F1.A.,
Q-001
note: RIC V-II 810.7a.3.F1.A., RIC 810 Siscia, 7a.3., 7th. Emission, phase a, 3rd. Officinae, E1.A., Buste type E1, Reverse type A.
1 commentsquadrans02/29/24 at 23:22Jay GT4: Fantastic detail in the shield and cuirass
RIC_542_06c_4_B_B2C_112_Probus2C_AE-Ant2C_IMP_C_PROBVS_AVG2C_MARTI_PACIF2C_I_Q-XXI2C_Ticinum2C_279_AD2C_S2C_Q-0012C_0h2C_222C0mm2C_42C19g-s.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 542.06c.4.B.B, Ticinum, MARTI PACIF, Bust-B, -/-//ΔXXI, Mars walking left, S, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 542.06c.4.B.B, Ticinum, MARTI PACIF, Bust-B, -/-//ΔXXI, Mars walking left, S, #1
avers: IMP C PROBVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust right. (B)
reverse: MART I PACIF, Mars walking left, holding an olive branch, spear, and shield. (B)
exergue: -/-//ΔXXI, diameter: 22,0mm, weight: 3,81g, axes: 0h,
mint: Ticinum, 6th-emission, 4th off., date: 279 A.D.,
ref: RIC V-II 542.06c.4.B.B, S,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans02/29/24 at 23:22Jay GT4: Great!
Caracalla_AR_Denarius_Victoriae_Brit.JPG
198 - 217, CARACALLA, AR Denarius, Struck 210 – 213 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head of Caracalla facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory advancing right, carrying trophy in both hands.
Diameter: 18.85mm | Weight: 2.76gms | Die Axis: 12h
RIC IV: 231A | RSC: 629 | SRCV: 6900 | SPINK: 658A
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the victories achieved by the Romans in Scotland during the campaigns led jointly by Septimius Severus and his eldest son Caracalla in 209, and by Caracalla alone the following year during his father's illness.

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE IT
3 comments*Alex02/28/24 at 13:15Jay GT4: Victory in action
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RIC 0928 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS IV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 928 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2024. Ex Ephesus Numismatics.

Domitian as Caesar's dupondii under Vespasian are typically laureate instead of radiate and can be differentiated from the asses by the draped busts and metal content (yellowish orichalcum). The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance the Flavian dynasty has brought to the empire. This rare variety with the COS date rendered as 'IV' instead of the much more commonly seen 'IIII' is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites only 2 examples - one from a 1980 Lanz sale, the other from a private collection. An obverse die match with the RIC plate coin.
2 commentsDavid Atherton02/28/24 at 13:02Jay GT4: Stern portrait for a young man
IMG_4066.jpeg
Roman Republic: L. Cassius Longinus; 3.86g. Veiled vesta bust left, in front L, behind it stands Kylix//Togatus left. and throws the voting stone with V into the urn.

Bab. 10; BMC 3931; Crawf. 413/1; Syd. 935
Ex: Auktion Áureo & Calicó 314, Barcelona 2018, Nr. 2034
1 commentspaul188802/27/24 at 11:59Jay GT4: Spectacular!
Theodosius_II_2.jpg
Theodosius II Solidus RIC X 293Theodosius II AV Solidus

4.35g, 21.0mm, 180 degrees, Constantinople mint, 443-450 CE

Attribution: RIC X 293. Depeyrot 84/1.

O: D N THEODOSI-VS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman on left arm.

R: IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P, Constantinopolis seated left on throne, foot on prow, holding globus cruciger and scepter; shield to right side of throne; star in left field, CONOB in exergue.

Ex-CNG eAuction 555 (7 Feb 2024) Lot 665.
1 commentsRon C202/26/24 at 12:52Jay GT4: Gold!
Septimius_120.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 214Septimius Severus AR denarius

3.11g, 18.6mm, 180 degrees, Rome mint, 207 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 214. Cohen 498. BMCRE V 541.

O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right.

R: P M TR P XV COS III P P, Trophy, standing captive right, seated captive left.

6 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.101.

Ex-Roma Numismatics E-sale 116, lot 821, January 18, 2024; Ex-Roma Numismatics E-sale 48, lot 688, July 27, 2018.
2 commentsRon C202/26/24 at 12:51Jay GT4: Nice one, looks like he copied the Flavian revers...
Julia_Domna_1.jpg
Julia Domna Denarius, RIC IVa 577JULIA DOMNA AR Denarius

3.45g, 18.3mm, 0 degrees, Rome mint, 196-211 CE.

Attribution: RIC IVa 577. Cohen 174.

O: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right

R: SAECVLI FELICITAS, Isis, wearing peaked head-dress, standing right, left foot on prow, with infant Horus at her breast. To left, altar, against which rests a rudder.

131 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.107.

Ex-Incitatus Coins, February 2024.
2 commentsRon C202/26/24 at 12:51Jay GT4: Love the hair do
V820.jpg
RIC 0820 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.24g
Rome mint, 75 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG COS VI; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with patera and palladium
RIC 820 (R2). BMC 714A. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, DK-Aureus Numismatics, January 2024.

It's not unusual for the Rome mint to strike coin types that conjure up feelings of familiarity and continuance. Vesta is certainly one of those types and Vespasian's moneyers made full use of her propaganda value. She frequently appears on the coinage with her message of religious piety and security. Her main attribute here is the palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome. This is a decently scarce variety, missing from Paris and rated 'very rare' in RIC.
2 commentsDavid Atherton02/26/24 at 02:43Jay GT4: Great find
Punic_AR.JPG
Akragas, Sicily213-211 BC (Punic Occupation)
AR 1/4 Shekel (14mm, 2.11g)
O: Head of Triptolemus right, wreathed in corn.
R: Horse galloping right; Punic letters 'ht' below.
SNG Cop 379; HGC 2, 174; Burnett, Enna 151; de Luynes 3965; Weber 8540; Walker Group II, 1st Series
ex Tom Cederlind

One of the leading centers of Greek influence in the west during the 6th and 5th centuries BC, Akragas was sacked by Carthage in 406. Conquered by Rome in 262 and retaken by Carthgage 8 years later, the city never again regained its' former status. Akragas suffered greatly during the Second Punic War (218-201), with this coin being struck just before the city fell to Rome once again in 210.
Although renamed Agrigentum, its' culture remained essentially Greek for another few hundred years until Rome granted the inhabitants citizenship after Julius Caesar's death in 44 BC.

This coin was struck on the Carthaginian standard and of debased silver.
4 commentsEnodia02/24/24 at 20:50Jay GT4: Fantastic!
Vespasian_Kyme_Aeolis_AE_19.jpg
The Amazon Kyme 3 (Vespasian) Kyme, Aeolis
AE 19
70-73 AD

Laureate head of Vespasian r. ΒΑϹΠΑϹΙΑΝΟΝ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΡΑ ΚΑΙϹΑΡΑ
The Amazon Kyme standing l., holding globe and trident, ΑΝΘΥ ΕΠΡΙΩ ΜΑΡΚΕΛΛΩ ΤΟ Γ ΚΥ

RPC II 970, Cop 144; Stumpf 319

Adrienne Mayor's The Amazons has a section on the amazons at sea, but that does not share much light on this coin. The amazon queen Kyme was the legendary founder of the city Cyme on the Black Sea coast. The engraver portrays an historical accurate amazon wearing a short dress, trousers, belt and baldric, and a Scythian gorytos (quiver) on her left hip. He has added a crown, as befits the notion of a queen.
1 commentsBlindado02/24/24 at 02:50Jay GT4: Great Eastern style
cassius.jpg
001i. CassiusC. CASSIUS LONGINUS (42 BC). Denarius. P. Lentulus Spinther, legate. Military mint, probably Smyrna. Obv: C CASSI IMP / LEIBERTAS. Diademed, veiled and draped bust of Libertas right. Rev: LENTVLVS SPINT. Capis and lituus. Crawford 500/3; CRI 221.
3.78 g., 19 mm. Naumann Auction 94, Lot 510.

1 commentslawrence c02/24/24 at 01:48Jay GT4: Very nice
V1507.jpg
RIC 1507 VespasianÆ20, 3.89g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with shield
RIC 1507 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477 (0 spec.).
Ex Numismad Auction 12, 5-6 January 2024, lot 817.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or Lugdunum (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. The entire issue is very rarely encountered in trade. This particular Victory variety is missing from all the major collections.

My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb.
4 commentsDavid Atherton02/21/24 at 03:32Jay GT4: Great rarity.
V1335.jpg
RIC 1335 VespasianÆ As, 6.39g
Tarraco (?) mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l. with scales and rod
RIC 1335 (R2, this coin cited). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 86. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Antioch Associates BBS 40, 29 July 2002, lot 109.

Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this Aequitas type. All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. This specimen is cited in RIC from the Clay collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/19/24 at 03:41Jay GT4: Nice Spanish rarity
079_BC_2C_Rep2C_AR-Den_Ser2C_L_Papius2C_Head_Juno_Sospita-r_2C_Griphon_leaping_right2C_L_PAPI-ex2C_Craw_-3842C_2292C_bagpipe2C_Syd-_Rome2C_792C_BC_Q-0012C_6h2C_172C3-192C5mm2C_32C78g-s.jpg
079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 229, Griphon leaping right, Shoe, L•PAPI, #1079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 229, Griphon leaping right, Shoe, L•PAPI, #1
avers: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin tied under the chin. Behind the head, symbol: Bagpipe.
reverse: Griphon leaping right, below symbol: Shoe. L•PAPI in exergue.
exergue: -/-//L•PAPI, diameter: 17,3-19,5mm, weight: 3,78g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 79 B.C.,
ref: Crawford 384/1, Symbol pair Bonnano 229, Babelon unlisted, Sydenham 773,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans02/17/24 at 03:25Jay GT4: Such an interesting series of control marks. Wish...
020p_Vespasian_2869-79_A_D_292C_Syria2C_Antioch2C_AR-Tetradrachm2C_Laur_bust_r_2C_Eagel_2C_RPC_II_19452C_69-70_AD2C_Q-001_0h_232C8-242C3mm_152C67gx-s.jpg
020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, RPC II 1945, AR-Tetradrachm, ΕΤΟΥΣ Β ΙΕΡΟΥ, Eagle standing left, #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, RPC II 1945, AR-Tetradrachm, ΕΤΟΥΣ Β ΙΕΡΟΥ, Eagle standing left, #1
avers: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤ ΚΑΙΣΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, Laureate head of Vespasian, right.
reverse: ΕΤΟΥΣ Β ΙΕΡΟΥ, Eagle with spread wings, standing left, on the club.; in left field, palm branch.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 23,8-24,3mm, weight: 15,67g, axis: 0h,
mint: Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, date: 69-70 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 1945, Wruck 79, McAlee 334
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans02/14/24 at 23:23Jay GT4: Very nice Q
020p_Vespasian_2869-79_A_D_292C_Syria2C_Antioch2C_AR-Tetradrachm2C_Laur_bust_r_2C_Eagel_2C_RPC_II_19552C_70-71_AD2C_Q-001_0h_25-262C5mm_152C13gx-s.jpg
020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, RPC II 1955, AR-Tetradrachm, ЄΤΟΥϹ ΝЄΟΥ ΙЄΡΟΥ Γ, Eagle with wreath in beak #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, RPC II 1955, AR-Tetradrachm, ЄΤΟΥϹ ΝЄΟΥ ΙЄΡΟΥ Γ, Eagle with wreath in beak #1
avers: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥЄϹΠΑϹΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΟϹ, Laureate head of Vespasian, right.
reverse: ЄΤΟΥϹ ΝЄΟΥ ΙЄΡΟΥ Γ, Eagle with spread wings, with wreath in beak standing left, on the club.; in left field, palm branch.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 25,0-26,5mm, weight: 15,13g, axis: 0h,
mint: Syria, (Seleucis and Pieria), Antioch, date: 70-71 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 1955, Wruck 84, McAlee 23,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans02/14/24 at 19:30Jay GT4: Wonderful coin, love the portrait
D302.jpg
RIC 302 Domitian Æ As, 11.64g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IOVI CONSERVAT; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 302 (C). BMC 315A. BNC 336.
Ex Originalskincoins, eBay, January 2024.

Domitian's bronze mint after a brief hiatus in 83 returned the following year with a slate of new reverse designs. This relatively scarce type showing a standing Jupiter appears for the first time on the asses in 84. It would later be discontinued after 86. With the legend IOVI CONSERVAT, it symbolises the god as Domitian's divine protector. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety of the type struck in 85 is not often encountered in trade. The portrait is a fine example of the Rome mint's superb mid-period Domitianic style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton02/14/24 at 12:46Jay GT4: Not Minerva...nice! Laughing
DCCCD6EE-9752-41A0-A911-FCB25819BA07_4_5005_c.jpeg
Bar Kokhba Revolt “Silver Zuz”: 134-135 ADBar Kokhba Revolt Silver Zuz (Overstruck Denarius)
Denomination: Zuz
Year: 134-135 AD
Obverse: Paleo-Hebrew legend: Shim'on, bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a tendril to the left and a leaf to the right;
Reverse: Paleo-Hebrew legend: for the freedom of Jerusalem, kithara with three strings;
Mint: Judean Mint
Weight & Measures: 3.35g; 18mm
Reference: Hendin 1435
Provenance: Ex. Bermondsey Coins (February 2024); Ex. Collection of Dr. Daniel Offer (1929-2013), of Chicago, US, before 1982.

Notes: Bar Kokhba revolt coinage. The revolt was led by Simon bar Kokhba and was the last of the major Jewish-Roman wars. The defeat of the Jewish people after 3 years essentially led to the disbandment of the Jewish state until the reformation of Israel almost 2000 years later.
2 commentsJustin L102/13/24 at 02:26Jay GT4: Excellent! I've wanted one of these for a lo...
129_Maxentius2C_Ostia2C_RIC_VI_0452C_AE-Follis2C_IMP_C_MAXENTIVS_P_F_AVG2C_FIDES_MILITVM_AVG_N2C_MOSTS2C_309-12_AD2C_Q-0012C_0h2C_242C5-262C5mm2C_62C78g-s.jpg
129 Maxentius (306-307 A.D. Caesar, 308-313 A.D. Augustus), Ostia, RIC VI 045 S, AE-26, -/-//MOSTS, FIDES MILITVM AVG N, Fides standing left with the standard in each hand, #1129 Maxentius (306-307 A.D. Caesar, 308-313 A.D. Augustus), Ostia, RIC VI 045 S, AE-26, -/-//MOSTS, FIDES MILITVM AVG N, Fides standing left with the standard in each hand, #1
avers: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, Laureate head right.
reverse: FIDES MILITVM AVG N, Fides standing left with the standard in each hand.
exergue: -/-//MOSTS, diameter: 24,0-26,0mm, weight: 6,78g, axis: 0h,
mint: Ostia, date: 309-12 A.D.,
ref: RIC VI 045 S, p-325, Cohen 71, Sear 15010,
Q-001
4 commentsquadrans02/12/24 at 13:04Jay GT4: lovely coin, nice patina
T200.jpg
RIC 200 TitusÆ Dupondius, 10.39g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 200 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Lukas Kalchhauser, December 2023.

The various stock Pax types struck for Titus are carry-overs from Vespasian's reign and are normally seen on Titus' sestertii and asses. This is a rare variety of the standing Pax type struck for the dupondii. She is seen here holding a cornucopiae instead of the much more common caduceus. The left facing portrait variant is much scarcer than the right facing variety. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
2 commentsDavid Atherton02/11/24 at 04:41Jay GT4: A special coin for Hershey
IronMaskSword2_2c_l.jpg
Iron Mask Sword #2Luristan
9th - 8th century BC
49.53 cm (19 ½”)

Cf. Khorasani (Arms and Armor from Iran), Cat. 21-27
Cf. Khorasani (Luristan and Marlik: Centers of Weapon Making in Ancient Iran, from Marlik, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2012), Fig. 8
Cf. Muscarella (Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art), Fig. 303

Description:
Blade and handle made of different iron parts, cast and forged together. Disk-shaped pommel with protomes mounted on opposite sides, two molded cords on grip, blade set at 90-degrees to handle. Rare – there are an estimated 90 extant examples of this variety.

Ex-Martin B. Retting Collection; brought by Retting to the United States in the 1950's
1 commentsKamnaskires02/11/24 at 00:04Jay GT4: Wonderful addition
IMG_4030.jpeg
Sicily, Syracuse, Agathocles (317-289 BC), Silver Tetradrachm, struck c.310-305 BC.
Obv/ Head of nymph Arethusa facing left, her hair wreathed with grain, wearing a triple-pendant earring and a pearl necklace, three dolphins swimming around, NK below neck.
Rev/ ΣYPAKOΣIΩN (in exergue); charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding a kentron (goad) in his right hand and the reins on his left, driving a fast quadriga left, triskeles above, AI monogram in exergue off flan.
1 commentspaul188802/10/24 at 16:58Jay GT4: Fantastic artistry
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Nero Aureus, RIC 69varNero, AV aureus. AD 66-68. Rome.
Obv.: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PP, laureate head right.
Rev.: IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre.
Ref.: BMCRE 79; Calicó I 416; RIC 69var (denarius).
18 mm/7.35 g
Condition: Good very fine. From a somewhat worn reverse die.
From an old german private collection.
1 commentsvindelicus02/10/24 at 16:58Jay GT4: Lovely
valerian_II_2.jpg
Valerian II Antoninianus RIC Va 8Valerian II AR Antoninianus

2.14g, 19.5mm, 195 degrees, Rome mint, 257-258 CE.

Attribution: RIC Va 8. Cohen 4.

O: DIVO VALERIANO CAES, radiate, draped bust right.

R: CONSACRATIO, eagle standing left.

Ex-Incitatus Coins, Jan 7, 2024.
2 commentsRon C202/09/24 at 03:53Jay GT4: I like the stylized eagle
RPC1401.jpg
RPC 1406 VespasianÆ19, 6.57g
Cotiaeum (Phrygia) mint, Tiberius Claudius Varus magistrate
Obv: ΚΟΤΙΑΕΙΣ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΝ ΚΑΙΣΑΡΑ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: ΕΠΙ ΤΙ ΚΛΑ ΟΥΑΡΟΥ; Zeus (?) stg. l., with hand raised
RPC 1406 (1 spec.).
Acquired from Ken Dorney, December 2023.

Cotiaeum fleetingly produced brass coins during the Flavian period under Vespasian and Domitian. Most varieties are fairly rare, known only from one or two specimens. This undated Zeus standing type was struck by the magistrate Tiberius Claudius Varus. Only one specimen of this Zeus type with left portrait is cited by RPC in the core collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/07/24 at 03:10Jay GT4: Love the Eastern portraits
V182.jpg
RIC 0182 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.86g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 182 (R3, this coin). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 9. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG E93, 7 July 2004, lot 83.

A unique Pax variety with aegis portrait. This is the RIC reference coin and an obverse die match with BMC 567 (RIC 200, R3). The rarity of this unique aegis variety indicates the mint was phasing out the more elaborate portrait designs at this point in time.
3 commentsDavid Atherton02/05/24 at 03:04Jay GT4: Wonderful rarity
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Vespasian "Judea Capta": Augustus 69-79 ADDenomination: AR Denarius
Year: 69-70 AD
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse: No Legend
Type: Female personification of Judea seated right, hands tied before trophy of captured arms, IVDAEA in exergue.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 18mm
RIC: RIC II, 15

Translation: OB: Emperor Caesar Vespasianus Augustus

Notes: Part of the Judea Capta series of coins. Commemorating the Fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple at the hands of Titus in 70 AD.
1 commentsJustin L102/04/24 at 05:06Jay GT4: Iconic
1B0AD588-4DE9-4B55-8253-1F0A512A0F2C_4_5005_c.jpeg
Vespasian "Judea Capta": Augustus 69-79 ADVespasian AR Denarius, 19-18 BCE
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: 21 Dec 69-early 70 AD
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse: No Legend
Type: Judaea or Jewess seated right on ground at foot of palm tree behind her, her hands bound behind and tied to the tree, IVDAEA in exergue.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 2.63g; 18mm
RIC: RIC II-1, 4
Provenance: Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins (January 2024).

Translation: OB: Emperor Caesar Vespasianus Augustus

Notes: Rare. Part of the Judea Capta series of coins. Commemorating the Fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple at the hands of Titus in 70 AD.
2 commentsJustin L102/02/24 at 11:49Jay GT4: Superb rarity. I missed it
crispinabric283.jpg
017. Crispina. AR Denarius. IVNOCrispina. Augusta, AD 178-182. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.03 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Commodus. Draped bust right / Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter; to left, peacock standing left. RIC III 283 (Commodus); MIR 18, 12-4a; RSC 21. Toned, some iridescence and underlying luster, hairline flan crack

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 2311.
6 commentsLordBest02/02/24 at 03:11Jay GT4: Lovely
6B2B5748-E025-404C-A50B-00AD1AAB6477_4_5005_c.jpeg
Nero: Augustus 54-68 ADNero AR Denarius, 50-51 AD
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: 64-68 AD
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS
Reverse: No Legend
Type: Salus seated left, holding patera
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 18.5mm, 3.44 g, 6h
RIC: RIC 1, 60
Provenance: Ex CNG coin shop January 2023; EX CNG Feature Auction 117; Lot 500 (May 19-20, 2021); Ex San Vicente Collection

Translation: OB: Nero Caesar Avgvstvs; Nero Caesar Augustus
Translation: Rev: Salvs; Salus
Notes: Salus in roman religion is the goddess of safety and religion. A patera is a broad, shallow dish used in ancient Rome for pouring libations.
2 commentsJustin L102/01/24 at 04:41Jay GT4: Outstanding portrait
92267BFE-83F4-4DE4-9C3D-9728DD9ABB7B_4_5005_c.jpeg
Claudius I: Augustus 41-54 ADClaudius I AR Denarius, 50-51 AD
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: 50-51 AD
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG PM TR P X IMP PP
Reverse: No Legend
Type: Oak Wreath, SPQR / PP / OB CS within
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.9g
RIC: RIC 1, 54
Provenance: Original Skin Coins (December 2023), Ex Kuenker

Translation: OB: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunicia Potestate X Emperor Pater Pontifex. Tiberius Claudius Caesar, emperor, high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 10th time, supreme commander, and father of the nation.

Transaltion: Rev: Senatus Populus Que Romanus Pater Patriae Ob Cives Servatos. The Senate and the roman people to the father of the nation, the savior of the citizens.

Notes: The reverse of this...denarius depicts the Corona Civica or “Civic Crown,” the second highest military decoration of the Republic, which took the form of a chaplet of oak leaves woven into a wreath. It was awarded to a citizen who had saved the lives of his fellow citizens by defeating or slaying an enemy of the state. The recipient was required to wear the wreath at any public gathering. Julius Caesar won the award for his actions during the Siege of Mytilene in 81 BC, which gained him immediate entry into the Senate. Augustus was voted the honor by the Senate for ending the destructive Roman civil wars. Caligula was granted the honor for “saving” Rome from the tyranny of Tiberius. Ironically, Claudius was bestowed the Corona Civica for saving Rome from the tyranny of Caligula-From CNG
4 commentsJustin L101/31/24 at 21:09Jay GT4: Wonderful
octavian~1.jpg
001j. Octavian001j. Octavian
Great-nephew of Julius Caesar, who named him as heir in his will. Octavian used this de facto legitimacy to maneuver for power. In 43 BC he, Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate to defeat the assassins of Caesar. The Triumvirate began proscriptions in which over 2,000 (mostly wealthy) Romans were branded as traitors, deprived of their property, and either executed or driven into exile. This served both to eliminate enemies, and to fill the coffers of the three. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi (42 BC), the Triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves and ruled as de facto dictators. The Triumvirate collapsed, and Octavian and Antony eventually fell into all-out war. Primarily due to the military leadership of Agrippa, Octavian won the war, with the decisive victory at Actium in 31 BC. Although Octavian made displays of personal bravery on several occasions, he demonstrated little aptitude for generalship. Octavian then consolidated his power in Rome. A note on naming: he was born Gaius Octavius; after Julius Caesar's death, Octavian insisted on being called Caesar. It was primarily his opponents who continued to call him Octavian. It is now primarily a matter of convenience to use the name Octavian for him in the pre-Augustus period prior to 27 BC.

Coin: Summer 37 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.68 g, 12h). Mint in southern or central Italy. Bare head right, wearing beard / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus, and lituus. Crawford 538/1; CRI 312; Sydenham 1334; RSC 91; RBW 1826. From the Kalevala Collection. Ex Bacchus Collection (Heritage 61175, 25 October 2020), lot 97135. CNG Triton XXVII – Session 5, Lot 5665 (17 Jan 2024)
1 commentslawrence c01/31/24 at 12:53Jay GT4: Excellent bearded portrait
MaximinusII_Siscia_234b.jpg
Maximinus II IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG N N from SisciaMaximinus II
A.D. 313
Ӕ follis 23mm 3.2g
IMP MAXIMINVS P F AVG, laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right.
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN, Jupiter standing l., chlamys across l. shoulder, leaning on sceptre and holding Victory on globe in r. hand; eagle with wreath to l. on ground; in r. field Γ.
in ex. SIS
RIC VI Siscia 234b


Ex. SALTON Collection with 1950’s holder
1 commentsVictor C01/31/24 at 12:53Jay GT4: Great coin, love the old ticket
E3EF97E4-8BEC-4293-803E-CB7516372373_4_5005_c.jpeg
Tiberius: Augustus 14-37 ADTiberius AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: ca. 16 AD
Bust: Laureate head right
Obverse: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS
Reverse: TR POT XVII
Type: Tiberius, laureate and cloaked, standing in quadriga right, holding laurel-branch in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left; all four horses heads turned right; IMP VII in exergue.
Mint: Lugdunum (Lyon France).
Weight & Measures: 3.81g; 18mm
References: RIC 1, 4
Provenance: Ex CNG Triton XXVII-6 (18 January, 2024); Lot 6017.

Translation: OB: Tiberius Caesar Divi Augustus filius Augustus; for Tiberius Caesar Son of God and Supreme Commander.
Translation: Rev: Tribunicia Potestate XVII; Imperator VII; for Tribune of the people for the 17th time, and Emperor for the 7th.

Notes: The reverse commemorates Tiberius' German triumph of 13 BC; the same type had already been struck for him as Caesar under Augustus. A Quadriga is a four-horse chariot. This Tiberius Denarius is while not uncommon is less frequently seen than the “Tribute penny.” NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5.
1 commentsJustin L101/31/24 at 12:52Jay GT4: Great rarity
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Vitellius: Augustus 69 ADVitellius AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: ca. 69 AD
Bust: Bare head right
Obverse: A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP
Reverse: CONCORDIA P R
Type: Concordia seated to left, holding patter and cornucopia.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.19g; 19mm
References: RIC 1, 66.
Provenance: Ex. Roma Numismatics E-Sale 116 (January 18th, 2024); Lot 749.
Ex. Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG; Ex collection of a Hanseatic "Römerfreund", Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 341, 1 October 2020, lot 5826;
Previously acquired from Münzhandlung Gilles Blançon, 1994.
2 commentsJustin L101/31/24 at 12:51Jay GT4: Fine style portrait
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RIC 331 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 18.64g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 331 (R2). BMC -. BNC 241.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 138. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz eBay, 18 July 2009.

A sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Titus featuring his patron deity Minerva. DIVI VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. This Minerva reverse from 'Group 3' is very rare. It is missing from the BM with a footnote in the catalogue (BMC 233) that doubts its existence!
1 commentsDavid Atherton01/31/24 at 12:51Jay GT4: Another great Clay rarity!
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RPC 2708 DomitianÆ Drachm, 21.63g
Alexandria mint, 94-95 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟΥ ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: Triumphal arch; date LΙΔ
RPC 2708 (6 spec.). Emmett 257.14. Dattari-Savio 542-3.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 505. Ex Shimmer, 1986, lot 118.

'He erected so many and such huge vaulted passage-ways and arches in the various regions of the city, adorned with chariots and triumphal emblems, that on one of them someone wrote in Greek: "enough!" '- Suetonius, Life of Domitian, 13.2.

Thus we begin with a pun. Some nameless wag scrawled ARCI on one of Domitian’s many arches, punning on the similarity between arcus (‘arch’) and the Greek arkei (‘enough’). Suetonius thought it clever enough to pass it along in his Life of Domitian. Domitian was a builder and he did indeed erect many arches throughout the city of Rome and the wider empire. This remarkable drachm struck at Alexandria for Domitian features a grandiose triple-span triumphal arch. The exact location of the structure is unknown. Some scholars have argued it represents a local Alexandrian arch (Price-Trell 1977, Vogt 1924, Handler 1971). F. Kleiner on the other hand convincingly proposes it to be a triumphal arch erected in Rome commemorating Domitian's victory over the Germanic Chatti. That it's a triumphal arch is fairly sound. The rooftop central figure of the emperor driving a triumphal quadriga pulled by six horses, flanked by twin trophies with defeated captives makes it fairly clear the arch was erected with a triumph in mind. The type first appeared on Alexandrian tetradrachms in 86, just a few years after the victory over the Chatti making a connection to that triumph very appealing. How accurate is the depiction? We simply do not know. Quite possibly the Alexandrian engravers based the composition on generic stock triumphal types, perhaps augmented by written descriptions, paintings, or sketches. The arch did not survive antiquity but is replicated on drachms of Trajan and Hadrian, likely repurposed for their own needs (whether it was located in Rome or Alexandria) and seemingly escaped damnatio memoriae destruction. Luckily, the coins survive to give us an idea of what this impressive monument may have looked like.
4 commentsDavid Atherton01/28/24 at 03:04Jay GT4: Wonderful hefty coin. Congrats
Sextus_Pompeius_Denarius_-_Ex_MM_1967.JPG
Roman Empire, Sextus Pompeius, DenariusObv. MAG • PIVS • IMP • ITER,
Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, lituus to right.
Rev. CLAS • ET • OR[Æ]/(MAR)IT • EX • S • C,
Neptune, naked but for chlamys on left arm, holding apluster and resting right foot on prow, standing left between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus running in opposite directions, bearing their parents on their shoulders; PRÆF above.
Mint: Uncertain Sicilian mint, 37/6 BC.

19mm 3.81g

Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; Sydenham 1344; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 7-10; Kestner 3783-4; RBW 1785.

Provenance:
Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 35 (1967), lot 7.
Ex Paul-Francis Jacquier, Auction 51, 15th September 2023, Lot 455.

The brothers Anapias and Amphinomus carried their parents upon their shoulder to safety during an eruption of Mt. Aetna near their home in Sicily. Familial fidelity was highly valued in Roman society, and was used on this issue along with the obverse depicting the head of Pompey the Great to show his son's, Sextus Pompey, fidelity to his memory (written by New York Sale).
10 commentskc01/27/24 at 13:59Jay GT4: Amazing historical type
normal_Trajan_Sestertius~0.jpg
Trajan SestertiusObv. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right.
Rev. IMPERATOR VIIII S C, The army saluting Trajan "imperator" for the ninth time; Trajan sits right on platform, extending right hand and attended by two standing officers, while a lictor shouldering fasces stands right before platform; the army is represented by (a) three soldiers standing left, all wearing helmets and holding shields, the first two raising their right arms to acclaim Trajan and the third holding a horse by the bridle and (b) the heads and standards of two standard-bearers, unhelmeted, visible in a second row above the heads of the soldiers and the horse in the front row.
Mint: Rome, 114/116 AD.

34mm 29.67g

BMC 1019; Coh. 178; MIR 549 v; RIC 658.

Provenance:
Ex Künker, Auction 382, lot 417.
Ex Lanz, Auction 109, lot 409.

Trajan extended the Empire's borders to their greatest limit. After two major campaigns (AD 101-103 and 105-106), he incorporated Dacia as a Roman province. In AD 114, in consequence of the installation of a Parthian puppet on the throne of Armenia, Trajan annexed the area as another Roman province and then extended operations into Mesopotamia. The reverse of this coin depicts Trajan's acclamation by the troops as imperator for the eighth time, which occurred with the fall of the city of Singara in AD 115 during the campaigns on the eastern frontier (CNG).
After major victories, the army saluted the emperor "imperator" ("commander"), entitling him to celebrate a triumph in Rome if the Senate decreed one. This sestertius of Trajan, a similar sestertius with IMPERATOR VIII, and a similar aureus with IMPERATOR VII, are the only Roman coins to depict such a salutation. These three acclamations commemorated the first three victories of Trajan's Parthian war, IMP VII being accorded for his conquest of Armenia in 114, IMP VIII and VIIII for the first two victories of his second campaign in 115.
4 commentskc01/27/24 at 13:58Jay GT4: Excellent!
great_revolt_prutah2.jpg
Jewish War year 2 bronze prutahBronze prutah (3.3 g - 18.8 mm), Jerusalem mint, year 2 of the Jewish War (67/8 CE).

"Precise wording in the legends and selection of the images on the coins of the Jewish wars suggests that the leaders had a clear understanding of using coins for political communication.
The slogans on the lower value coins, used daily in the markets, differed in tone. Huge numbers of bronze prutot were dated to the second and third years of the war, and each carried the words, “[for the] freedom of Zion.” These are perhaps the earliest recorded Zionistic slogans.
Each “phrase akin to a slogan” represented a rallying cry for the Jews. For years, the Romans had effectively used their coins to carry political messages; now the Jews did likewise for the first time to communicate their message of hope for a free Jerusalem and a free people. Simon bar Giora's party most likely minted the bronze coins, whose slogans represent a more radical ideology than the silver coins (whose legends were more generic).
The paleo-Hebrew inscriptions are remarkable for their form as well as their content. This script was essentially discontinued several hundred years earlier… even the script selection was part of the effort of the Jewish leaders to make a statement about themselves and their kingdom. It would be used, even if few could read it.
However, lack of literacy need not reduce the efficacy of messages or their transmission via coins. Considering the strong Jewish oral traditions, it is likely that the coins provoked patriotic discussion among the rebels. One can imagine a Jewish rebel passing along a coin during a transaction: “Look, it is written in the language used by King David, do you know what it says? ‘For the freedom of Zion.’” Now the coin and the verbal legend, playing on tales of the glorious, distant past, could pass from hand to hand into every corner of Judaea where the rebels carried on their lives."

- Hendin, D. (2012). Jewish Coinage of the Two Wars, Aims And Meaning. Judaea and Rome in Coins
65 BCE – 135 CE
1 commentsYoel S01/25/24 at 12:28Jay GT4: Iconic type
Tyre_half_shekel~1.jpg
Tyre silver half shekelPHOENICIA, Tyre AR silver half shekel, 19mm, 7.0g. Tyre, or Jerusalem (as per Meshorer), dated CY 162 (36-37 CE). Laureate head of Melkart right, lion skin around neck. Reverse - Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, PΞB (date) above club; to right, KP above XX; Phoenician A between legs. DCA-Tyre 385 (same dies as illustration, also a die match for Triton XXV, #6161); RPC I 4695; HGC 10, 358; DCA 922.

Meshorer thought that Tyrian shekels and half shekels from CY 109 on, when the letters KP were added to their reverse design, were struck at Jerusalem rather than Tyre. To support his argument, Meshorer quoted the Talmud: "Silver, whenever mentioned in the Pentateuch, is Tyrian silver. What is a Tyrian silver [coin]? It is a Jerusalemite" (Tosephta Kethuboth 13:20). Brooks Levy, however, has concluded that they were more probably issues of Tyre that may, indeed, have been manufactured at the request of Herod or Temple authorities in Jerusalem since these were the only coins acceptable to the Temple authorities while they were in circulation. The KP monogram stands either for KAICAP, meaning that these coins were minted with the consent of the Roman Emperor, or they stand for the Greek phrase “good silver”.
1 commentsYoel S01/25/24 at 12:27Jay GT4: Very nice
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RIC 789 Domitian (2)AR Denarius, 2.96g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 789 (C2). BMC 234. RSC 291. BNC 208.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2024.

This reverse die was later recycled and struck for the TR P XVI issue and is a die match with BNC 213.

Purchased on the hunch that this could possibly could be RIC 819 due to the reverse die match with the Paris specimen and what appears to be a 'I' engraved above the 'V'. In hand the mystery numeral is just a die flaw.
1 commentsDavid Atherton01/25/24 at 02:25Jay GT4: Win some, lose some
EF47EA32-1C54-4AD5-80BF-91B355C0CEB7_4_5005_c.jpeg
Galba: Augustus 68-69 ADGalba AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: Jul 68-Jan 69 AD
Bust: Laureate head right
Obverse: IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG PM
Reverse: NO LEGEND
Type: Naked Virtus standing facing, holding spear en parazonium, VIR-TVS across field.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.44g; 19mm
References: RIC 236, Cohen 343, BMC page 316, Sear- RR

Translation: OB: Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus Pontifex Maximus; for Emperor Servius Galba Caesar, Supreme ruler, and High Priest.
Translation: Rev: Virtus

Notes: Virtus (Classical Latin: [ˈwɪrt̪uːs̠]) was a specific virtue in Ancient Rome. It carries connotations of valor, masculinity, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths.
1 commentsJustin L101/24/24 at 13:09Jay GT4: Bold portrait
Septimius_119.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 236Septimius Severus AR denarius

2.71g, 19.0mm, 0 degrees, Rome mint, 210 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 236. Cohen 548. BMCRE V 20.

O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right.

R: P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Salus seated to left, feeding serpent held in her lap.

35 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.102.

Ex-Roma Numismatics, e-sale 115, Lot 888, 14 December 2023.
1 commentsRon C201/24/24 at 13:08Jay GT4: Nice portrait
2A54E0F9-7E46-45FA-87FF-63EB8A615EE8_4_5005_c.jpeg
Hadrian “eastern mint”: Augustus 117-138 ADHadrian ‘Eastern Mint’ AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: 125-128 AD
Bust: Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder
Obverse: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Reverse: COS III
Type: Victory seated left on stool, wreath in extended right hand, palm frond in left hand
Mint: Uncertain eastern mint.
Weight & Measures: 2.978g; 19.6mm
References: Strack II 43 Ieastern mint) cf. RIC II 345 (Rome); BMCRE III 497 (Rome) & pl. 70, 2(eastern; bare hd. dr.); RSC II 363a (Rome); Hunter II 171 (Rome)
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins (reference RS87615), purchased 3/2019.

Translation: OB: Hadrian Augustus Father of the Country
Translation: Consul for the 3rd time.

Notes: Very Rare. “The “Eastern” mint denarii of Hadrian are all rare. BMCRE vol. II, PP. 372-81, ppl. 68-71, lists 27 specimens from the collection and another 44 not in the collection but illustrated in the plates. The section on Hadrians Imperial coinage on the Beast coins website lists just under 50 specimens. This coin is apparently unpublished.”-From Forum listing.
1 commentsJustin L101/23/24 at 02:49Jay GT4: Great Eastern style
Screenshot_20240108-223608_Gallery.jpg
Maximinus I Maximinus I AR Denarius. Rome, 236 AD. IMP MAXIMINVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PM TR P II COS P P, Maximinus standing left between two standards, holding sceptre & raising right hand in salute. RIC 4; RSC 56 , 1.57gm1 commentsBritanikus01/22/24 at 22:13Jay GT4: The "Chin"
RIC_116_9_1_B_A_2C_112_Probus2C_Lugdunum2C_AE-Ant2C_IMP_C_PROBVS_P_F_AVG2C_COMES_AVG2C_A2C_Basten_3752C_282_AD2C_C_Q-0012C_0h2C_212C5-222C2mm2C_32C69g-s.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 116.9.1.B.A., A/-//--, COMES AVG, AE-Ant., Minerva standing left, #1 112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 116.9.1.B.A., A/-//--, COMES AVG, AE-Ant., Minerva standing left, #1
avers: IMP C PROBVS•P•F•AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right. (B)
reverse: COMES AVG, Minerva standing left, holding an olive branch and spear and resting left hand on shield, (A).
exergue: A/-//--, diameter: 21,5-22,2mm, weight: 3,69g, axis: 0h,
mint: Lugdunum, 9th em.,1st.off., date: 01.-08.282 A.D.,
ref: RIC V-II 116.9.1.B.A., p-30, Bastien 375,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans01/22/24 at 13:18Jay GT4: Nice one Q
RPC1311.jpg
RPC 1311 VespasianÆ27, 8.24g
Sardis (Lydia) mint, Titus Flavius Eisigonos (strategos)
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙϹ ΟΥΕϹΠΑϹΙΑΝΩ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΠΙ (Τ) ΦΛ ΕΙϹΙΓΟΝΟΥ ϹΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ; Pluto and Persephone in quadriga, r.
RPC 1311 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Tom Vossen, November 2023.

The rape, or more accurately abduction, of Prospernia (Persephone in Greek) depicted on the reverse of this Sardian provincial bronze is an infamous scene from Greco-Roman mythology. Here we see Pluto carrying away Prospernia in his chariot. The story of Proserpina explains why there is winter:

'One day, when Proserpina, daughter of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, was gathering flowers in the fields, she was abducted by Pluto, god of the underworld, and carried off to his kingdom. Ceres was consumed with grief and in anger she scorched the earth, preventing grain from growing and the earth from producing fruit. Forced to intervene, Jupiter negotiated a compromise that provided Proserpina had not eaten anything while in the underworld she would be set free. Pluto however had offered Proserpina part of a pomegranate, which she accepted. The Fates would not allow Proserpina to be fully released, but a settlement was agreed upon by which she would spend part of the year with Pluto in the underworld (winter) and part of the year with her mother Ceres (summer). When Proserpina is with Pluto the earth is barren and cold and when she returns to her mother, Ceres pours forth the blessings of spring to welcome her beloved daughter home.'

The story has been told in paintings and sculpture throughout the ages. During the Renaissance a large Baroque marble group sculpture by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini titled 'The Rape of Proserpina' most famously immortalised the tale for a modern audience. This Sardian bronze struck under Vespasian, while not exceedingly rare, is seldom encountered in trade.
2 commentsDavid Atherton01/22/24 at 13:17Jay GT4: These are the kind of reverse types that make coll...
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