Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Last comments - okidoki

Severus II (305 - 307 A.D.)Æ Follis
O:SEVERVS NOB C, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
R: GENIO POP-VLI ROMANI, Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; altar left, star right: PLC in exergue.
Lugdunum (Lyon) mint
8.83g
31mm
Seltz Hoard 9; RIC VI Lyons 193 var (star type)

Ex CNG Electric Auction, Lot 372, 1/10/2008

Ex. Gordon S. Parry Collection

Published on Wildwinds4 commentsMat06/10/19 at 08:15okidoki: very nice Mat

RIC 0624 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P, laureate head left
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC / S C (in exergue), Domitian standing left, sacrificing over altar; Flute and lyre players standing right (the second is near the altar); in background temple.
AE/As (28.60 mm 14.014 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88 A D
RIC 624 (R), BMCRE 437, BNF 475
Purchased from Manfred Olding on MA-Shops, from the Ponitza Collection (1934, with collector ticket)1 commentsFlaviusDomitianus06/08/19 at 11:03okidoki: Great looks, and interesting reverse playing the d...

033 Sabina (???-136 A.D.), RIC II 1019, Rome, AE-Sestertius, No legends, -/-//SC, Ceres seated left, Scarce! #1033 Sabina (???-136 A.D.), RIC II 1019, Rome, AE-Sestertius, No legends, -/-//SC, Ceres seated left, Scarce! #1
avers: SABINA•AVGVSTA HADRIANI•AVG P P, Her bust diademed draped bust right with hair coiled on top of the head.
reverse: No legends/SC, Ceres seated left on basket holding corn-ears and torch.
exergue: -/-//SC, diameter: 34,0-35,0mm, weight: 22,34g, axes: 6h, Scarce!
mint: Roma, date: 128-134 A.D.,
ref: RIC II 1019, Cohen 69, BMC 1879, Sear 3939, Strack II, 858,
Q-0016 commentsquadrans06/08/19 at 08:54okidoki: excellent and stylistic

G., Thrace, Kings, Macedonian, Lysimachos, (305-281 B.C.), Price L28, Colophon (uncertain), AR-Drachm, Zeus seated on the stool-throne left, #1Thrace, Kings, Macedonian, Lysimachos, (305-281 B.C.), Price L28, Colophon (uncertain), AR-Drachm, Zeus seated on the stool-throne left, #1
avers: Head of beardless Heracles right wearing a lion skin headdress.
reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ, ΛYΣIMAXOY, Zeus seated on the stool-throne left, eagle on the outstretched right hand, scepter in the left hand, lion-forepart over the crescent are the left-field, pentagram beneath the throne.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter:16,4-17,0mm, weight: 4,17g, axes: 0h,
mint: Thrace, Kings, Macedonian, Lysimachos, Colophon (uncertain) mint, date: 323 - 281 B.C.,
ref: Price L28,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans06/07/19 at 17:56okidoki: Nice Joe

RIC 0133 VespasianusObv: IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG COS III, Laureate head right, drapery on left shoulder
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA / S C (in field), Felicitas standing left with caduceus and cornucopia
AE/As (27.77 mm 12.685 g 5h) Struck in Rome 71 A.D.
RIC 133 (R2, same dies), BMCRE-BNF unlisted
Purchased on eBay from angainor*numis3 commentsFlaviusDomitianus06/06/19 at 13:06okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Caria, Satraps. Hekatomnos. Lion's Head Tetrobol. Asia Minor. Caria, Satraps. 395-377 BC. AR tetrobol (4.18 gm, 15.7mm) of Hekatomnos. Head of roaring lion left., [EKA] above. / Stellate pattern in round incuse. gVF. Konuk Identities #11; HN Online 226; SNG von Aulock 2356; SNG Cop. 5 (Caria) #588-589; SNG Delepierre 2721; SNG Kayhan 863, 1676; SNG Keckman 275; ACNAC Norman Davis 223; McClean III #8516-8517; Babelon de Luynes 2906-2908; HNOnline (Mylasa) 225-226.1 commentsAnaximander05/31/19 at 19:39okidoki: Congrats very nice

Marcus Aurelius DenariusDenomination: Denarius
Era: After c. 161-162 AD
Metal: AR
Obverse: IMP M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG - Laureate head R.
Reverse: CONCORD AVG TRPP XVI. Concordia std l. extending patera in r. COS III in exergue

Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.15 gm.
Reference: RIC 37 var. (RIC III)
Provenance: CNG, purchased Oct. 16, 1987

Minor variation with COS III in exergue. Superb EF with bright luster.2 comments05/29/19 at 16:41okidoki: Sharp

Shekel Tyre Civic Year 4 (123/2 BC)PHOENICIA. Tyre. AR shekel (30mm, 14.09 gm, 12h). Dated Civic Year 4 (123/1222 BC).
O: Laureate head of Melqart right
R: TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (Tyre the Holy and Inviolable), Eagle standing left on prow, palm frond over wing; to left, LΔ (date) above club, M and Phoenician bet between legs.
- DCA Tyre 9. DCA 921. ex ClassicalCoins.Com 2005

Note the unusual placement of the monogram. From years 1-4 the placement of the monogram varies, after which it became standardized to the right of the eagle.

A development which encouraged the wealth of Tyre seems to have been a religious revolution in the city under the reigns of Abibaal and Hiram which elevated the god known as Melqart (a deified version of Hercules) over the traditional divine couple of the Phoenicians, Baal (also known as El) and Astarte (Asherah). The primacy of Melqart (whose name means `King of the City') drew power away from the priests of the traditional pantheon of the gods and placed it at the disposal of the palace. Richard Miles notes, "It seems that a desire to bring the temples to heel lay behind the royal decision to replace the traditional chief deities of Tyre with a new god, Melqart"(32). The result was not only an increase in the wealth of the palace but, through a more efficient distribution of that wealth, increased prosperity for the whole of the city.5 commentsNemonater05/29/19 at 08:29okidoki: very nice reverse

Macedon: Philip III TetradrachmHead of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck

Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, eagle in right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, right leg drawn back, ΦIΛIΠΠOY downward on right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ in exergue, radiate head of Helios facing on left, KY under throne

Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I,

c. 323 - 317 B.C

Babylon mint, 17.056g, 29.2mm, die axis 90o,

Price P205, Müller Alexander P117, SNG Cop 1083, SNG Alpha Bank -, SNG Saroglos -

Ex-Forum!

Coins from this issue were struck in the names of both of Alexander the Great's co-ruling heirs. Most, including this example, were struck in the name of his brother Philip III, but some were struck in the name of his son Alexander IV. During this period, Archon, Dokimos, and Seleukos I ruled in succession as Macedonian satraps in Babylon. Archon was appointed satrap of Babylonia after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. Perdiccas suspected Archon of colluding in the theft of Alexander's corpse and, in 321 B.C., sent Dokimos to replace him. Archon was defeated and died from battle wounds. Seleucus, was made satrap by Perdiccas' rival Antipater, arrived in Babylon in October or November 320 B.C. and defeated Dokimos.

7 commentsJay GT405/25/19 at 12:02okidoki: very nice reverse

RPC II 0364 DomitianusObv: AYTOK KAIΣAP ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣEB ΓΕΡ - Laureate head of Domitian right.
Rev: ΠΕΡΥΝΘΙΩΝ - Dionysus standing, left, holding cantharos and thyrsus; panther to left.
AE27 (27.31 mm 8.794 g 6h) Struck in Perinthus (Thrace)
RPC II 364
ex Emporium Hamburg Auction 85 Lot 3313 commentsFlaviusDomitianus05/21/19 at 16:05okidoki: great looks on his bust

RIC 0238 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.68g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VICTOR; S C in field; Mars, armoured, adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 238 (C). BMC 552. BNC 509.
Ex CNG E443, 1 May 2019, lot 530.

A sestertius struck in Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. The reverse features the first Mars type coined for the new emperor, copied from one previously struck for Vitellius. Mars is seen here in full military dress instead of the heroic nude he is normally depicted as on the contemporary denarii. This MARS VICTOR type pays proper respect to the god of war for granting Flavian success in the recently concluded Jewish War (an open display of celebration for defeating Vitellius would be taboo on the coinage). The portraits from this aes issue can be quite extraordinary. C.H.V. Sutherland in his book Roman Coins writes: 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture ... The beauty of this work lay in it's realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution ...' (p. 189). Perhaps, a portrait such as this is what Sutherland had in mind when he wrote that passage.

The minor porosity does not detract from the superb veristic portrait and beautiful dark brown patina. 5 commentsDavid Atherton05/16/19 at 14:01okidoki: Nice David

Sicily, Syracuse. Pyrrhus (Circa 278-275 BC)AE 23mm, 11.43 g

Obverse: Head of Heracles l., wearing lion's headdress; in r. field, cornucopiae.

Rev. Athena Promachos standing r., holding spear and shield; in l. field, thunderbolt.

SNG Copenhagen 811. Calciati 177.

Pyrrhus was king of the Greek tribe of Molossians (west coast of Greece) and later became king of Epirus. One of the greatest military commanders of the ancient world, Pyrrhus took a large army to southern Italy at the behest of the Greek colony of Tarentum in their war against Rome. With his superior cavalry, deadly phalanx, and 20 elephants, Pyrrhus defeated the Romans in a succession of battles but at great cost. After a victory at Apulia (279 BC) where Pyrrhus lost 3,500 men including many officers, he famously commented that, "If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined." It is from this semi-legendary event that the term Pyrrhic victory originates.

In 278 BC, the Greek cities in Sicily asked Pyrrhus to help drive out Carthage, which along with Rome was one of the two great powers of the Western Mediterranean. While successful, his request for manpower and money from the Sicilians for a fleet to blockade Carthage’s final stronghold was met with resistance, forcing Pyrrhus to proclaim a military dictatorship of Sicily and install military garrisons in Sicilian cities. These actions were deeply unpopular and with Sicily growing increasingly hostile to Pyrrhus, he abandoned Sicily and returned to Italy to fight another inconclusive battle against the Romans. Pyrrhus soon ended his campaign in Italy and returned to Epirus.

In 274 BC he captured the Macedonian throne in a battle against Antigonus Gonatus II. But two years later while storming the city of Argos, Pyrrhus was killed in a confused battle at night in the narrow city streets. While fighting an Argive soldier, the soldier's mother, who was watching from a rooftop, threw a tile which knocked Pyrrhus from his horse and broke part of his spine, paralyzing him. His death was assured after a soldier beheaded his motionless body.

Athena Promachos ("Athena who fights in the front line") was a colossal bronze statue of Athena. Erected around 456 BC in Athens, the Athena Promachos likely memorialized the Persian Wars. The very first specific archaistic Athena Promachos coin image was depicted on coins that were issued by Alexander the Great in 326 BC. Ten years later, the Athena Promachos appeared on coins issued by Ptolemy in Alexandria. Pyrrhus' alliance with Ptolemy (I and II) and admiration of Alexander the Great (they were second cousins) undoubtedly inspired the design of this coin with Heracles on obverse (like Alexander's coins) and Athena Promachos on the reverse. 2 commentsNathan P05/13/19 at 19:13okidoki: wonderful coin with excellent toning

Septimius Severus and Caracalla - Samos198-211 AD
laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right from behind facing laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus left from behind
AV KAI M AVP ANTΩNEINOC AV KAI Λ CEΠ CEOVHPOC
Septimus Severus on horse prancing right, wearing cuirass and chalmys, is about to spear fallen enemy
CA_M_I_Ω_N
BMC Greek (Ionia) 258.p376
25,00g 34mm1 commentsJ. B.05/12/19 at 18:12okidoki: excellent

Caracalla, AE 30Serdica, Thrace, AD 216
ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝΟC AVTK M AVP CEV, laureate heroic bust left, seen from behind, with sword belt and Aegis on left shoulder
OVΛΠIAC CEPΔIKHC, Hermes, naked, standing left, holding purse and caduceus
17,14 gr - 30/28 mm
Ref : Moushmov 4804 (obv), Varbanov 2372 (rev)
See Agora auction #62/102, same dies4 commentsPotator II05/11/19 at 11:20okidoki: excellent and stylistic

Thrace. PANTIKAPAION. Ae 21. 310-303 B.C.Obverse: Bearded head of Satyr (or Pan) right.

Reverse: Forepart of griffin left, sturgeon below.

Weight: 6.91 grams.

Diameter: 21.69 mm.3 commentsMark R105/08/19 at 17:13okidoki: excellent

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., D/-//--, PAX AVG, AE-Ant., Pax standing left, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., D/-//--, PAX AVG, AE-Ant., Pax standing left, #1
avers: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. (A2
reverse: PAX AVG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and scepter. In left field D.(A)
exergue: D/-//--, diameter: 20,5-22,0 mm, weight: 3,92g, axis:5h,
mint: Lugdunum, 9th.em., 4th.off., "D" in left field, date: 01.-08. 282 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 118.9a.4.A2.A., Bastien 422,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans05/07/19 at 21:09okidoki: Nice Joe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antioch. 361-363.

20mm, 2.44g

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

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

References: RIC VIII Antioch 220

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully toned with an extraordinarily decadent portrait.10 commentsDavid Atherton05/06/19 at 08:28okidoki: excellent and stylistic

RIC 0377 Vespasian DupondiusDIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Radiate head right

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

Rome 80-81 AD

12.18g

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

Ex-ANE

Although the issue is undated it was likely struck on the occasion of Vespasian's deification in 80 AD.
8 commentsJay GT405/04/19 at 18:51okidoki: Congrats very nice

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

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

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

A fine early style portrait of the young prince with a dark greenish-grey patina.7 commentsDavid Atherton04/30/19 at 11:37okidoki: very nice Very Happy

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

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

This regnal year 2 type is more commonly seen with a star behind Titus' portrait on the reverse. This is the rarer variant lacking the star.
9 commentsMat04/29/19 at 08:38okidoki: Congrats very nice

hhj8.26.52.02Elagabalus
Nicopolis

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

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

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

29 mm, 8.14 g

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

Reverse : Incuse bull standing right, head reverted.

HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828-844

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

Gallienus, GriffinAe

IMP C GALLIENVS AVG
Radiate bust right

APOLLINI CONS AVG
Griffin walking left L in exergue

Delta below

RIC 1654 commentsarizonarobin04/28/19 at 09:47okidoki: very nice reverse

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Siscia, RIC V-II 263v., AE-Antoninianus, -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, CONSERVATOR AVG G, Diocletian, and Jupiter, Scarce! #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Siscia, RIC V-II 263v., AE-Antoninianus, -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, CONSERVATOR AVG G, Diocletian, and Jupiter, Scarce! #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: CONSERVATOR AV•(?)G G, Diocletian and Jupiter, each holding a sceptre, standing facing each other by an altar.
exergue: -/Γ//•XXI•BI•, diameter: 22,0-24,0 mm, weight: 3,68 g, axes: 6h,
mint: Siscia, date: 289-90 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 263v., p-247, Scarce!
Q-0013 commentsquadrans04/28/19 at 09:47okidoki: lovely

Carthage, Tanit, Horse, O to rightCarthage
Circa 300-264 BC. Æ 18
Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left
Rev.: Horse’s head right; Punic letter ayin to right
Æ, 5.25g, 18mm
Ref.: SNG Copenhagen 1513 commentsshanxi04/27/19 at 14:02okidoki: very nice reverse

Roman Augustus DenariusAugustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius. Rome mint. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Struck 19 BC.

Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right

Reverse: P•PETRON•TVRPILIAN•III•VIR, Pegasus walking right

banker’s mark on reverse.

RIC I 297; RSC 491.2 commentsTanit04/23/19 at 18:31okidoki: Congrats very nice

samosata001b_3Elagabalus
Samosata, Commagene

Obv: AVT KI MAP AVPH ANTΩNεINOC CεB, Laureate head right.
Rev: CAMOC-ATεΩN, Tyche turreted seated left on rocks, eagle in right hand, left hand on rocks, Pegasus running left below.
32 mm, 18.90 gms

Butcher 29a, BMC 421 commentsCharles M04/23/19 at 18:29okidoki: Congrats very nice

Diva Faustina - RIC 348 (Antoninus Pius)Denomination: Denarius
Era: Late After A.D. 141
Metal: AR
Weight: 3.18
Obverse: DIVA FAV STINA. Bust of Faustina r. Hair elaborately bejeweled with pearls
Reverse: AETER NITAS. Fortuna, veiled draped standing l., Holding globe on extended r. hand and vertical rudder, close to side on l.

Mint: Rome
Weight:.
Reference: RIC III 348 (Antoninus Pius)
Provenance: Purchased from CNG at Denver ANA, Aug. 16, 2006

Superb EF
2 comments04/11/19 at 16:52okidoki: excellent

RIC 4a, p.270, 370 - Plautilla, ConcordiaPlautilla
AR Denarius, Laodicea
Obv.: PLAVTILLAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust of Plautilla right
Rev.: CONCORDIAE, Concordia seated left on backless throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae.
Ref.: RIC IVa 370, CRE 426 [S]
AR, 3.20g
Ex Freeman & Sear, Manhattan Sale I, Lot 371 (2010)
Ex A. Lynn Collection
Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 83, Lot 794, (2002)2 commentsshanxi04/09/19 at 17:33okidoki: excellent

RIC 0435DOMITIAN, (A.D. 81-96), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 86, Second Issue
(3.47 g),
Obv. laureate head of Domitian to right, around IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V,
Rev. around IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to right, fighting, holding javelin and shield,
RIC 435 R, RSC 201b BMC 93
Attractive blue and gold patina, extremely fine.
Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection. With old dealer's ticket.
Noble Numismatics Auction 120 Lot 3217 April 4, 2019.

This coin was part of the second issue of Domitian for 86 CE. Most of the denarii for 86 CE are rare and this coin is no exception. However, that was only one of the considerations I had for buying this coin. The other is the amazing condition of this coin. There is very little wear on this coin at all. I find this remarkable for a coin that is more than 1900 years old. The quality of the portrait is superb and the condition helps to highlight this. Having said that, the reverse is no slouch either. the rendering of the Minerva is artistic and extremely well preserved.

I like worn coins as well because they tell a story. One wonders who has touched the coin, what did they buy with it? Coins like the one above were hardly used by anyone at all. So in one way the worn coin has the advantage of having a story that connects it to the people who used it. However, this is also something special about an artifact that is so well preserved that it can take you back to an earlier time. You are seeing the coin much as your ancestors saw it almost 2000 years ago. I would argue that this connect us to history as well. All ancient coins have a history and it is fascinating to speculate about that history.

I know that this coin looks like just another Minerva reverse for Domitian, but for me it is a special coin that shall take an honoured spot in my collection.9 commentsorfew04/04/19 at 17:47okidoki: excellent

Anonymous, AE Uncia (after 217 B.C.), Rome, Republic AE-25, Crawford 38-6, Prow of galley right, #1Anonymous, AE Uncia (after 217 B.C.), Rome, Republic AE-25, Crawford 38-6, Prow of galley right, #1
avers: Helmeted head of Roma left, one pellet (mark of value) behind the neck.
reverse: ROMA, Prow of galley right, one pellet (mark of value) below.
exergue: ROMA//•, diameter: 24,5-26,0mm, weight: 12,81g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, Sicily, date: after 217-215 B.C., ref: Crawford 38-6, Syd 86, BMC 88,
Q-0015 commentsquadrans04/01/19 at 09:38okidoki: very nice on large flan

sepphoris017-1Elagabalus
Sepphoris-Diocaesarea, Samaria

Obv: ...ANTWNεIN. Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ACYΛ on left, AYT on right, ΔIOK in exergue. Zeus seated left in within tetrastyle temple with pediment decorated with a wreath, holding scepter in left hand and uncertain object in right hand.
24 mm, 10.47 gms

Sofaer 17, Rosenberger 161 commentsCharles M03/29/19 at 15:46okidoki: Congrats very nice Charles

Roman Orbiana SestertiusOrbiana Sestertius

SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diad. and dr. bust r. / CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM SC, Alexander r. and Orbiana l. stg. facing each other, clasping r. hands.

RIC 657, c. 6 , BMCRE 299 2 commentsTanit03/24/19 at 19:17okidoki: indeed very nice looks

Nero Nero As, Temple of Janus, Rome mint, 10.9gm, RIC 1 309.2 commentsAncient Aussie03/24/19 at 19:11okidoki: another great reverse

NeroNero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 21.62 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 66. Laureate head left, globe at point of neck / Triumphal arch, showing the front, with a wreath hung across it, surmounted by the emperor in facing quadriga accompanied by Pax and Victory, flanked by two soldiers; statue of Mars in side niche; the faces and plinths of the arch are ornamented with elaborate reliefs. RIC I 500; WCN 452; Lyon 191. Near VF, brown patina.2 commentsAncient Aussie03/24/19 at 19:10okidoki: excellent and stylistic

Moesia Inferior. Nicopolis. Elagabalus. Inferior. Nicopolis. Elagabalus.Moesia Inferior. Nicopolis. Elagabalus. 11.6gm, AMNG 1982,HrHJ (2018) 8.26.46.15. Cult statue (Serapis) within temple seen in perspective, shield in pediment, trees in background.2 commentsAncient Aussie03/24/19 at 19:09okidoki: great reverse never seen it

Crawford 340/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Piso Frugi, AR DenariusRome, The Republic
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 90 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.78g; 19mm)
Rome mint.

Obv: Laureate head of Apollo facing right; N (control mark) below chin.

Rev: Horseman galloping to right, holding whip; dolphin above; L·PISO·FRVG and ROMA below.

References: Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 658a; Hersh Class IV, Series 20.

Provenance: Ex Spink & Son Ltd; Mario Ratto Fixed Price List (Feb 1966) Lot 297.

Apparently overstruck with remnants of undertype visible on reverse.

L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi was moneyer in 90 BCE, during the time of the Social War. He later attained the office of Praetor in 74 BCE, but did not appear to distinguish himself further.

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. As a result, Frugi’s coins are among the most common in the entire Roman Republican series. Crawford estimates 864 obverse and 1080 reverse dies were used to produce Frugi’s denarii. Both obverse and reverse dies bear control marks of varying complexity, and no control mark has more than one die. The earlier dies in the series which bear ROMA, either spelled-out (as on this coin) or in monogram, in the reverse exergue, are typically of finer style than the later dies without ROMA or monogram. For another fine-style example with ROMA in monogram form, see my gallery coin at: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-146453

This type alludes to the annual celebration of the Ludi Apollinares instituted by Frugi’s ancestor during the Second Punic War. These games were held at the Circus Maximus in July of each year and lasted 8 or 9 days, consisting of horse racing and performances.
2 commentsCarausius03/23/19 at 21:34okidoki: wonderful obverse and toning

RPC II 1605A TitusObv: T CAES IMP PONT, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: ANT COL, Priest holding vexillum ploughing with two oxen, right; above, crescent
AE22 (22.01 mm 7,272 g 12h) Struck in Antiochia (Pisidia) 76 A.D.
RPC II Unpublished, it will get 1605A
ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 7 Lot 7594 commentsFlaviusDomitianus03/21/19 at 18:44okidoki: excellent

RPC II 0640A_DomitianusObv: AYT ΔOMITIANOΣ KAIΣAP ΣEB ΓEP, laureate head right
Rev: NEIKAIEIΣ ΠPΩTOI THΣ EΠAPXEIAΣ, Big altar
AE26 (26.49 mm 9.391 g 12h) Struck in Nicaea (Bithynia)
RPC II unpublished, it will get 640A
ex Numismatik Naumann Auction 75 Lot 3452 commentsFlaviusDomitianus03/21/19 at 18:42okidoki: wonderful

RIC 0333Domitian AR Denarius
(20.5 mm 3.22 g)
Obv: Laureate head r, IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P IIII
Rev: Minerva stg r on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r owl
IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P
RIC 333 (R2); BMC 78(cross symbol), Cohen 180
Purchased from Phillipe Saive Numimatique March 15, 2019

This coin marks debasement in the fineness of Domitian's coinage. The previous 2 issues of 85 CE with the legends CENSORIA POTESTATE and CENS POTES are very rare and mark the end the the near 100% fineness of the silver denarii. This coin, RIC 333, is the first issue that returns the fineness to the post reform Neronian standards.

I wanted this for the legend variation. Most Minerva reverses have CENS P PP in the legend. The fact that this one does not is part of what attracted me to the coin. Of course the other factor was the appearance of the coin. This photo does not do the coin justice. It is struck on a large flan and there is actually very little wear to the coin. The outstanding feature for me is the portrait. Of course this is a rare coin and that also added to the allure. It is hard to tell from the photo but this coin has a lovely grey toning on both the obverse and the reverse.

I am very pleased that I could add this one to my collection.4 commentsorfew03/15/19 at 21:10okidoki: never seen with owl Very Happy

052 Plautilla (?-211 A.D.), Laodicea ad Mare (Limes version!), RIC IV-I 359 (Caracalla), AE-Denarius, CONCORDIA AVG G, Concordia standing left, Scarce! #1052 Plautilla (?-211 A.D.), Laodicea ad Mare (Limes version!), RIC IV-I 359 (Caracalla), AE-Denarius, CONCORDIA AVG G, Concordia standing left, Scarce! #1
Wife of Caracalla,
avers: PLAVTILLAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust right, hair coiled in vertical or horizontal ridges and fastened in a bun.
reverse: CONCORDIA AVG G, Concordia standing left, holding patera and scepter.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-18,0mm, weight: 2,30g, axis: 0h,
mint: Laodicea ad Mare (Limes version!), date: 202 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV 359 (Caracalla), RSC 2, BMC-,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans03/13/19 at 17:18okidoki: Nice Joe

072 Gordianus III. (238-244 A.D.), RIC IV-III 005, (Look, Bulgarian, modern Fake!), AR-Antoninianus, Roma, VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking left, #1072 Gordianus III. (238-244 A.D.), RIC IV-III 005, (Look, Bulgarian, modern Fake!), AR-Antoninianus, Roma, VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking left, #1
avers: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed.
reverse: VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking left with wreath and palm branch.
exergue:-/-//--, diameter: 21,0-22,5mm, weight: 4,16g, axis: 10h,
mint: Roma, date: 238 A.D., 1st Issue, 6th officina,
ref: RIC IV-III 5, RSC 357, Sear-8664, (Look, Bulgarian, modern Fake!)
Q-0012 commentsquadrans03/09/19 at 19:47okidoki: excellent and stylistic

0004 Sextus Pompey -- Pharos and ScyllaSextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]
Obv: MAG⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER; Pharos of Messana, Neptune on top standing r. with r. hand on a trident and l. hand on a rudder, resting l. foot on prow. Galley sailing l., aquila atop a tripod placed in prow and a scepter tied with a fillet in stern. Border of dots.
Rev: PRAEF⦁ORAE⦁MARIT⦁ET⦁CLAS⦁S⦁C [AEs and MAR ligatured]; Scylla attacking l. wielding a rudder in both hands, the torso of a nude woman with two fishtails and the foreparts of three dogs as the lower body. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location1; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC2; Weight: 3.566g; Diameter: 19.8mm; Die axis: 225º; References, for example: BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 variant3, Sydenham 1349 variant3; Crawford RRC 511/4d; Sear CRI 335b.

Notes:

Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁ET⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]

1Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.557 and Sear CRI, p. 203 suggest Messana as a possible mint location. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 124 hesitatingly suggests Mitylene (on the island of Lesbos).

2This is the date range suggested by Estiot 2006, p. 145, as she recommends going back to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.556 proposes 38 - 36 BC. Sydenham, p.211 follows Grueber. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 submits 35 BC.

3Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 and Sydenham 1349 list MAR (ligatured) I but the coin here is clearly MAR (ligatured) IT. Neither Grueber nor Sydenham record MAR (ligatured) IT as part of this reverse legend for this coin type. Crawford and Sear do.

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins 15 January 2019; Nomos Obolos 10, 30 June 2018 Lot 349.

Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES8 commentsTracy Aiello03/08/19 at 22:22okidoki: Congrats very nice

Elgabalus, NikopolisElgabalus
Ae 26mm; 12.05g

AVT K M AVPH - ANTΩNEINOC
Laureate head right

(VN NOB IOV POVΦOV) NIKOPOLITWN PROCICTR
O-N in fields
Herakles standing, facing, head left, leaning on club in right hand, lion skin draped over left forearm

HrHJ (2018) 8.26.14.7 (same dies)2 commentsarizonarobin03/08/19 at 21:54okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Hadrian - SardisAR Cistophoric tetradrachm
128-138 AD
head right
HADRIANVS__AVGUSTVS P P
facing cult statue of Kore, headdress with plume, stiff robe falling to feet and veil draped over wrists; grain ear on both sides
COS__III
RIC 510; RSC 279; Metcalf Typ 47.
10,80g 26mm
ex Savoca

overstruck over cistophoric tetradrachm of Augustus1 commentsJ. B.03/06/19 at 19:12okidoki: great example, Hadrian Cistophorus

142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Siscia, RIC VII 113, AE-3 Follis, S/F/ΓSIS*, VIRTVS EXERCIT, R4!!! #2142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Siscia, RIC VII 113, AE-3 Follis, S/F/ΓSIS*, VIRTVS EXERCIT, R4!!! #2
avers: IV-L CRIS-PVS NOB CAESS (5,G8.l.), Laureate, cuirassed bust left with spear pointing forward, shield on arm.
reverse: VIRTVS EXERCIT, Standard inscribed VOT/X, captive seated on ground on either side.
exergue: S/F/ΓSIS*, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 3,24g, axes: 6h,
mint: Siscia, 3rd. off., date: 320 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 113, p-438, R4!!!
Q-0021 commentsquadrans03/06/19 at 19:11okidoki: excellent and stylistic

Caracalla (198 - 217 A.D.)AR Tetradrachm
Mesopotamia, Carrhae
O: AVT·K·M·A ANTONЄINOC ·C-EB · ·, laureate head of Caracalla right; two pellets beneath rear truncation.
R: ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ Δ, eagle standing facing on bucranium, dot to each side, wings spread, head right, wreath in beak.
28mm
17.10g
Prieur 820, Bellinger 160, SGI 2701

Ex. Agora Auctions, lot 184, Sale 815 commentsMat03/06/19 at 18:58okidoki: excellent and stylistic

Moesia, Viminacium, 081 Herennius Etruscus (250-251 A.D. Caesar, 251 A.D. Augustus), PM 03-44-01, -/-//AN XII, AE-Sestertius, #01Moesia, Viminacium, 081 Herennius Etruscus (250-251 A.D. Caesar, 251 A.D. Augustus), PM 03-44-01, -/-//AN XII, AE-Sestertius, #01
avers: Q H ETR MES DEC CAES, Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: PM S COLVIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, right hand holding branch and the left hand holding globe.
exergue: -/-//AN XII, diameter: 28,0mm, weight: 15,55g, axis: 1h,
mint: Moesia, Viminacium, date: 250-251 A.D., ref: Pick-144, PM 03-44-01, Mus-r,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans03/05/19 at 18:38okidoki: Nice Joe

5544 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Tetradrachm 124-25 AD Zeus standingReference.
RPC III, 5544.3 (this coin). Dattari-Savio Pl. 70, 1511 (this coin); Emmett 904.9

Issue ΕΤ Θ = year 9

Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ СƐΒ
Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., seen from rear

Rev. ΕΤ Θ
Zeus standing facing, head l., holding thunderbolt and sceptre

12.20 gr
24 mm
12h3 commentsokidoki03/04/19 at 10:42okidoki: yes

ROMAN EMPIRE, HADRIAN. Commemorative AR Denarius of Rome. Struck A.D.139 under Antoninus PiusObverse: DIVVS HADRIANVS AVG. Bare head of Hadrian facing right.
Reverse: CONSECRATIO. Eagle standing facing on globe, head turned left.
RIC II : 389b
VERY RARE2 comments*Alex03/03/19 at 17:47okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Stratonikeia, Cariacirca 100 BC
AE 20 (20mm, 6.38g)
O: Lareate head of Hekate right, wearing crescent moon crown.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm and wreath; ΣTPATO above, [NIK]EΩN below.
cf SNG Cop 489; cf Sear 4942; BMC 151,31
Scarce
ex Aegean Numismatics

Stratonikeia was located in SW Asia Minor, about 11km from Lagina, the largest known sanctuary of the goddess Hekate, "whom Zeus honored above all others" (Hesiod). It is likely that the cult of Hekate originated in this area a millennium or more before Her introduction into Greek religion at the conclusion of the Titanomachy, the legendary battle between the Titans and Olympians.
During an annual ritual the Priestess would lead a procession from the polis to Lagina where she would open the sanctuary with a sacred key. This key would eventually become one of the attributes depicted on later images of Hekate.5 commentsEnodia02/28/19 at 07:25okidoki: very nice Very Happy

050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 553, AR-Denarius, FORTUNAE FELICI, Fortuna enthroned left, #1050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 553, AR-Denarius, FORTUNAE FELICI, Fortuna enthroned left, #1
avers: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Bust draped right.
reverse: FORTUNAE FELICI, Fortuna enthroned left holding cornucopia and leaning on rudder set on the globe.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter:19,0-20,0mm, weight: 3,67g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 196-211 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 553, RSC 58, BMC 27, Sear-6584,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans02/23/19 at 20:28okidoki: Nice Joe

RIC 0002Domitian, Denarius, 81 Rome
Obv: Laureate head of Domitian right., IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG
Rev: Dolphin coiled around anchor.,TR P COS VII
RIC:2 (R); BMC 3
Purchased from Numiscorner on Vcoins
February 23, 2019

Here is an interesting coin. It is an early Domitian as Augustus issue. The 4 groups of coins in the first issue were minted in the first 3.5 months of Domitian's rule. What is interesting about this one is not the titles that are present but what is absent. The only titles here are TR P, IMP and COS. Notice that PP is nowhere to be seen. This means that group 1 denarii such as this must have been issued first of all 4 groups of 81 CE. This was not an easy coin to find. I have RIC 3 and RIC 3 Var, but these were my only group 1 denarii until now. Coins of this group are not as rare as group2 and group 3 denarii.

There are a few things I really like about this coin. First, the portrait has a very engaging style. Next, the reverse has really interesting devices. Lastly, the wear does not distract too much from the appeal of the coin. Although worn, I bought this coin because I did not know when I would see another. I would rather have a worn coin than no coin at all.6 commentsorfew02/23/19 at 20:17okidoki: Congrats very nice

22.06. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), Bracteata, (uncertain), CÁC III. 22.06.1.1./b01.06./18., H-195, CNH I.-275, U-121, AR-Bracteata, #0122.06. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), Bracteata, (uncertain), CÁC III. 22.06.1.1./b01.06./18., H-195, CNH I.-275, U-121, AR-Bracteata, #01
avers: King riding horse to the right, falcon on his wrist.
reverse: Negative pictures.
exergue/mintmark: -/-//--, diameter: 12,5-14,0mm, weight: 0,29g, axis:0h,
mint: Esztergom , date: A.D., ref: Huszár-195, CNH I.-275, Unger-121,
Kiss-Toth: CÁC III. 22.06.1.1./b01.06./18., Sigla, wedge-shaped sigla under the horse's belly.
Q-0013 commentsquadrans02/22/19 at 20:09okidoki: Nice Joe

Domitian Denarius - Rev: Dolphin on TripodDomitian, 81-96, Silver Denarius
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head right,
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P, Dolphin above tripod with fillets.
RIC II² 38 (R3) - this coin!
Previously unpublished.
Unique, this coin specifically recorded in RIC II². 3 commentsOldMoney02/16/19 at 09:11okidoki: excellent

RIC 1170 Vespasian Engraver's ErrorÆ As, 8.58g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: Retrograde S C in field; Eagle stg. front on globe, wings outstretched, head r.
RIC 1170 var. (rev. engraver's error). BMC 811 var. (same). BNC -.
Ex Ibercoin 25, 30 January 2019, lot 385.

The reverse is the main attraction here. The 'S C' is mistakenly struck retrograde, a major error on the engraver's part. I wonder how many of these were struck until the mistake was noticed? It's the first one I've come across. Errors like this are quite rare in the Flavian era, which would probably indicate there aren't many examples of this reverse die that survived. This As was struck in 71 when both Rome and Lyon produced a massive issue of bronze, which may somewhat excuse the error. Rare even without the retrograde 'S C'. Also of note, the 'S C' on this type is normally placed on either side of the eagle's wings, here it is on either side of its claws.

Rough, but the all important reverse is decently struck and nicely centred.6 commentsDavid Atherton02/14/19 at 14:47okidoki: Congrats very nice

GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC.6.56g, 21mm, 11 h
Zopyrion, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback to right, ΖΩΠΥΡΙΩΝ below; below forelegs, ΣΩ above bukranion / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding hippocamp in extended right hand, trident against left arm; monogram and mask of Silenos right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 941; HN Italy 1054.
Extremely Fine; a beautiful reverse composition. Very Rare.2 commentsLeo02/09/19 at 17:20okidoki: excellent and stylistic

RIC 0804 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P, Radiate head right
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI / S C, Virtus standing right, foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium.
AE/Dupondius (27.88 mm 14.720 6h) Struck in Rome 95-96 A.D.
RIC 804 (C), BMCRE 479, BNF 512
Purchased from Henzen on MA Shops5 commentsFlaviusDomitianus02/07/19 at 15:10okidoki: I like the coloring

Aemilian, AntoninianusAemilian Antoninianus

Obverse:
IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Radiate, draped bust right

Reverse:
SPES PVBLICA
Spes advancing left, holding wreath and palm.

RIC IViii 10, C 473 commentsHarry G02/07/19 at 07:25okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Severina (274 - 275 A.D.)Egypt, Alexandria
Potin Tetradrachm
O: OYΛΠ CEYHΡINA CEB, draped bust right wearing stephane.
R: ETOVC S, eagle standing right, wreath in its beak. Year 6=274/5 AD
21mm
7g
Dattari 5506, Geissen 3103, Emmett 39663 commentsMat02/03/19 at 16:58okidoki: Hi Mat, very nice tet Very Happy

Pantikapaion, Thrace304-250 BC
AE 20 (20mm, 5.81g)
O: Head of Pan left, wreathed in ivy.
R: Bow and arrow, ΠAN below.
MacDonald 116.1; SNG Poland II; NM Warsaw 178-79
ex Forvm Auctions (Bartosz Awianowicz)

3 commentsEnodia02/02/19 at 16:50okidoki: very nice Very Happy

Struck A.D.255 - 256 under Gallienus. DIVUS VALERIAN II CAESAR. Commemorative AR Antoninianus of LugdunumObverse: DIVO VALERIANO CAES. Radiate and draped bust of Valerian II facing right.
Reverse: CONSACRATIO. Valerian II being borne to heaven seated on the back of an eagle flying right.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.4gms | Die Axis: 2
RIC V i : 93 comments*Alex02/02/19 at 16:31okidoki: excellent

RIC 0738Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint struck 92 CE (second issue)
18.5 mm 3.25 g
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG-GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head of Domitian right
Reverse: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing facing, helmeted head left, vertical spear in right hand
RIC 738 (R2) BMC--
Purchased from Germania Inferior Numsmatics on Vcoins February 1, 2019

Here is another rarity. It is the second issue of 92 CE. The coin was minted between January and mid September.

Here is what RIC says about this issue.
"The second issue incorporates Domitian's final imperatorial acclamation (IMP XXII) which, on the basis of the extreme rarity of these coins, probably took place shortly before the change in his tribunician numeration on September 14th."

I am really enjoying the process of researching these coins. It is interesting and rewarding to find a little gem once in a while. I must admit though that I feel lucky to have found several rarities in the past few days. Of course the question is "Who cares?" They are just minor variations of a repetitive reverse. The answer is I do and I am fine with that. The nice thing is that I have made connections with a couple of people who have interesting coins of Domitian. Being able to discuss these coins with fellow enthusiasts makes the acquisition of these coins more fun.
4 commentsorfew02/02/19 at 16:22okidoki: haha glad Andrew does not collect Hadrian Very Happy

RIC 1477A Vespasian denarius SOLD!IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., a small 'o' mint mark below neck

PON MAX TR P COS VII (from high l.)
Winged caduceus

Unknown "O" mint, 76 AD
3.17g

RIC 1477A (R3)

Ex-Numismatica Prados

Ted Buttrey has assigned it 1477A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda.

A unique specimen of the caduceus type from the rare and mysterious 'O' mint. This rare variant has the reverse legend starting from the upper left, all other known examples start from the lower right. Die matched to David Atherton's example and purchased through his recommendation.

Currently 3 on Forum, 2 in my own gallery and 1 in David Atherton's. All double die matched.

SOLD! Forum Auction Dec 2021

8 commentsJay GT402/01/19 at 20:25okidoki: Congrats Jay

RIC 1215 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.97g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1215 (C3). BMC 833. BNC 829.
Acquired from GB Collection, January 2019.

A possible shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign likely prompted the Lyon mint to temporarily reopen in 77-78 and strike a fairly substantial issue of coinage. Curiously, as seen here, the dupondii are commonly unradiated but can be told apart from the asses by their heavier weight. The reverses are standard types copied from Rome. This common Fortuna REDVCI reverse featuring her with a steady hand steering the rudder of the world was a familiar propaganda type both at Rome and Lyon that continued to commemorated the safe return of Vespasian and Titus from the East at the beginning of the reign.

A fantastic high relief portrait in distinctive Lyonnais style.4 commentsDavid Atherton01/29/19 at 11:24okidoki: wow great looks David

Vitellius RIC 0099Vitellius AR Denarius
69 CE
17 mm 3.32 g
Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM AVG IMP TR P: Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Rev: L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR: Bust of Lucius Vitellius, laureate and draped, right; eagle-tipped sceptre in front
RIC 99
Ex: Silbury Coins January 27, 20194 commentsorfew01/28/19 at 15:25okidoki: Nice Andrew

106 Aurelianus (270-275 A.D.), T-3099, RIC V-I 366, Cyzicus, AE-Antoninianus, RESTITVTOR EXERCITI, Є//XXI, Mars and Emperor, #1106 Aurelianus (270-275 A.D.), T-3099, RIC V-I 366, Cyzicus, AE-Antoninianus, RESTITVTOR EXERCITI, Є//XXI, Mars and Emperor, #1
avers: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, Radiated and cuirassed bust right. (B1)
reverse: RESTITV TOR EX ERCITI, Mars in military dress standing right, holding the spear in left hand, giving globe to Emperor standing left, holding long scepter in left hand. (Mars and Emperor 1)
exergue: Є//XXI, diameter: 21,5-22,5mm, weight: 4,08g, axes: 0h,
mint: Cyzicus, off-5, iss-10, phase-2, date: 275 A.D., ref: T-3099 (Estiot), RIC V-I 366, LV 10761-73,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans01/27/19 at 10:56okidoki: great example, nice pastel green

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC -Obv:– L SEPT SEV P-ERET AVG IMP II, Laureate head right
Rev:– FORT R AVG, Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare. A.D. 194
Reference:– BMCRE -. RIC IV -. RSC -1 commentsmaridvnvm01/26/19 at 20:14okidoki: great find

Caracalla, denariusCaracalla, denarius
19 mm, 2.28 g.
Obv. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG / Laureate, draped bust right.
Rev. ADVENTVS AVGVSTOR / Galley sailing left, four rowers in centre, three seated figures under canopy at right, mast with sail on prow, two standards on stern, waves below.
RIC 121.2 commentsMarsman01/26/19 at 20:12okidoki: excellent

Elymais, Van´t Haaff 18.1, Orodes V, ArtemisKingdom of Elymais
Orodes V
Late 2nd-Early 3rd Cent
Æ Drachm
Obv.: Bust to left
Rev.: Bust of Artemis left, wearing tiara
Æ, 2.57g, 13mm
Ref.: Van´t Haaff Type 18.1, uncertain subtype2 commentsshanxi01/26/19 at 20:12okidoki: odd coin congrats

075 Otacilia Severa (?-249 A.D.), RIC IV-III 138, Antioch, AR-Antoninianus, AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left, Extremely Rare!!!075 Otacilia Severa (?-249 A.D.), RIC IV-III 138, Antioch, AR-Antoninianus, AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left, Extremely Rare!!!
avers:- M OTACIL SEVERA AVG, Diademed and draped bust right, on the crescent.
reverse:- AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopia.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21,5mm, weight:4,04g, axis:0h,
mint: Antioch, date:??? A.D., ref: RIC-IV-III-138, p-85, C-, Extremely Rare!!!
Q-001
4 commentsquadrans01/24/19 at 16:33okidoki: Nice Joe

RIC 0980Vespasianus, 69-79 CE
AR-Denar
Rom, 77/78 n. Chr.
3.21 g
Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. r.
Rev.: IMP XIX, Modius mit Kornähren
RIC 980, BMC 217
Ex: Kölner Münzkabinett January 15, 2019

This coin is a scarce reverse variant of the regular RIC 980. This variant has poppies between the grain ears on the reverse.
3 commentsorfew01/21/19 at 17:50okidoki: Congrats very nice

Otacilia Severa AntoninianusOtacilia Severa Antoninianus

Obverse:
MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG
Diademed, draped bust right on crescent

Reverse:
PVDICITIA AVG
Pudicitia seated left, pulling veil and holding sceptre

RIC 123c2 commentsHarry G01/20/19 at 20:03okidoki: nice smile

Phrygia, Hierapolis, pseudo-autonomous, Demeter Euposia, unpublishedHierapolis, pseudo-autonomous, 3rd century AD
AE 27, 11.92g, 27.07mm, 180°
obv. IERAPOLEI - TWN (from upper r.)
Head of Dionysos wreathed with ivy, r.
rev. EVBO - CIA
Demeter Euposia, in long garment and mantle, stg. frontal, head l., holding in extended r. hand 2 grain ears and in l.
arm cornucopiae on which Ploutos is seated and stretching arms to her.
ref. a) cf. Künker Auc. 193, (9/2011), Lot 263 (asiaminorcoins #10460)
b) Numismatik Naumann Auction 44, Juni 2016, Lot 693 (same dies) (Wildwinds)
unpublished in greater works!
very rare, F+/VF, green brown Patina
Pedigree:
ex Bertolami Fine Arts E-Auction 49, 12.11.2017, Lot 484 (wrong reference!)

The depiction as Tyche Euposia with rudder is more frequent. But here with grain ears it is Demeter Euposia! About 10 years I have searched for this type and now I could acquire one for an affordable price.

2 commentsJochen01/19/19 at 13:48okidoki: excellent

Phrygia, Hierapolis, pseudo-autonomous, SNG Müchen 221Hierapolis, pseudo-autonomous, 3rd century AD
AE 29, 10.9g
obv. IERAPOLEI - TWN (from upper r.)
Head of Dionysos wreathed with ivy, r.
rev. EVBO - CIA
Tyche Euposia, in long garment and mantle, stg. frontal, head l., holding in extended r.
hand rudder and in l. arm cornucopiae on which Ploutos is seated and stretching arms
to her.
ref. a) SNG München 221 (Wildwinds)
b) BMC 35 var. (has EVBOCIA without break)
Very rare, F+

This depiction as Tyche Euposia with rudder is more frequent.
2 commentsJochen01/19/19 at 13:48okidoki: great looks on large flan

RIC 616OBV.: IMP C PROBVS P F AVG.
Radiate, armoured bust right.

REV.: P M TRI P COS III P P
Radiate lion walking left with fulmen in mouth.

// XXIQ.

Weight: 1 commentsvrtsprb01/18/19 at 21:42okidoki: Congrats very nice

032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0176, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS III, Pudicitia standing left, #1 032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0176, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS III, Pudicitia standing left, #1
avers: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Laureate head right, slight drapery on far shoulder.
reverse: COS III, Pudicitia standing left, covering face with a veil.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,0-19,0mm, weight: 2,94g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 125-128 A.D., ref: RIC II 0176, RSC 392, BMCRE 405,
Q-0017 commentsquadrans01/18/19 at 21:41okidoki: excellent BOT

RIC 0671 DomitianusObv : IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, Laureate head right
Rev : IMP XIX COS XIIII CENS P P P, Victory advancing righ, holding branch
AR/Denarius (19.25 mm 3.153 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88-89 A.D.(4th issue)
RIC 671 (R2), RSC 254a, BMCRE 156, BNF 150
ex Emporium Hamburg Alpha Auction 2 Lot 172
4 commentsFlaviusDomitianus01/18/19 at 18:51okidoki: very nice Very Happy

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 544ver., Ticinum, MARTI PACIF, Bust-H2/H, Δ/-//--, Mars walking left, Rare! #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 544ver., Ticinum, MARTI PACIF, Bust-H2/H, Δ/-//--, Mars walking left, Rare! #1
avers: IMP C PROBVS AVG CONS III, Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding scepter surmounted by an eagle. (H2/H)
reverse: MART I PACIF, Mars walking left, holding olive-branch, spear, and shield.
exergue: Δ/-//--, diameter: 22,0mm, weight: 3.40g, axes: 11h,
mint: Ticinum, 6th-emission, 4th-off., date: 279A.D., ref: RIC V-II 544var., Rare!
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans01/17/19 at 06:33okidoki: great example,

Tiberius tribute pennyTI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS
Laureate head of Tiberius right

PONTIF MAXIM
Livia seated right holding scepter and branch, legs on char ornamented, feet on footstool

Lugdunum after 16 AD

3.49g

Sear 1763, RIC 26

Ex-Ebay amarso66

Sold!
6 commentsJay GT401/16/19 at 20:39okidoki: Nice Jay

RIC 0932 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.65g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS IIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 932 (C). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2019.

Spes, the goddess of hope, is seen here as an 'heir apparent' type. She is represented on Roman coins as a young girl, reminiscent of earlier Greek cult statues depicting Elpis. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says 'the flower held by Spes is an opening bud, she is raising her skirt in order to hasten forward'. Spes occurs quite commonly throughout the Flavian coinage and is frequently paired up with the young Domitian Caesar, likely expressing a hope or expectation for future dynastic success. It is very Ironic that Spes is often associated with Domitian Caesar on the coinage, considering he would later be the family member most responsible for the dynasty's downfall in 96. Surprisingly, this common Spes type is not in the BM.

The obverse features a quintessential Flavian portrait - unflattering hook nose with full and heavy facial features. Pleasant dark green patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton01/15/19 at 15:02okidoki: Nice David

Roman Empire, Trajan AE Quadrans Struck 114-117 A.D.22077 Trajan/Wolf at Bay
Trajan/Wolf at Bay
Obv:IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG
Head of Trajan, laureate, right
Rev:S C
She-wolf walking left, at Bay
Rome 17mm 3.03g
RIC 694; Woytek 600b.

Ex Triskeles Auction sale 3342 commentsBlayne W01/14/19 at 19:31okidoki: Congrats very nice

PROBUS RIC 533 VAR. OBVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
REVERSE: CONCORD MILIT
BUST TYPE: F1 = radiate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//ζXXI
WEIGHT 4.01g / AXIS: / WIDTH: 22mm
RIC: 533 VAR. (UNLISTED FROM 6TH OFFICINA)
COLLECTION NO. 1374

THE ONLY EXAMPLE OF THIS EXACT TYPE KNOWN TO ME!!!2 commentsBarnaba601/14/19 at 19:05okidoki: excellent

111 Florianus (276-282 A.D.), T-4147, RIC V-I 010, Lyon, AE-Antoninianus, PROVIDENTIA AVG, -/-/III, Bust-D1, Providentia standing left, #1111 Florianus (276-282 A.D.), T-4147, RIC V-I 010, Lyon, AE-Antoninianus, PROVIDENTIA AVG, -/-/III, Bust-D1, Providentia standing left, #1
avers: IMP C M AN FLORIANVS AVG, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum. (D1).
reverse: PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, holding baton in right hand and long scepter in left hand, at feet to left, globe, (Prov. 2b).
exergue: -/-/III, diameter: 19,5-22,5mm, weight: 3,40g, axes: 6h,
mint: Lyon, iss-3, off-3, date: 276 A.D., ref: RIC V-I 010, T-(Estiot)-4147, Bastien 148,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans01/14/19 at 18:41okidoki: Nice Joe Smile

Hadrian - AntiochAR tetrtadrachm
118 AD
laureate and cuirassed bust rightand, draped shoulder
·AYT KAI ΘE TPA ΠAP YI ΘE NEP YI TPAI AΔPANOC CEB·
facing eagle, head left, standing on thigh of sacrificial animal
ΔHMAPX__·EΞ·YΠAT·B·
Prieur: 155
14,0g 22,5mm
ex Dionysos1 commentsJ. B.01/13/19 at 16:25okidoki: very nice Hadrian

RIC 1399 var. Vespasian denariusIMP CAES VESPAS AVG
Laureate head right

AVG within laurel wreath, ΘI monogram above ties.

Ephesus mint. AD 69-70.

2.63g

RIC 1399 unlisted variant (laurel wreath rather than oak) this coin, footnote in the upcoming RIC II addenda ; RPC 808; RSC 37.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 152 (10 October 2006), lot 2071; Ex-Cheesman collection; Ex-CNG 433 Lot 37910 commentsJay GT401/12/19 at 20:47okidoki: excellent BOT?

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