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Last comments - Sosius
caligula_denarius_augustus_bbb.jpg
(04) CALIGULAAR Denarius 18 mm, 3.53 g
37 - 41 AD
Struck 37-38 AD
O: C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT [COS] Bare head of Caligula right
R: Radiate head of Divus Augustus right, flanked by stars
Rome; RIC 2; RSC 11; BMCRE 4
ex. Roma Numismatics Auction
2 commentslaney03/14/19 at 16:06Sosius: Very nice.
image~6.jpg
Lead seal - unknown eunuch Uncertain. 7th-8th centuries. PB Seal (22mm, 10.95 g, 12h). Cross above monogram / +/KOVB[I]/KOVΛA[P]/ BACIΛIH/ XAPTOV/ΛAP in five lines. BLS –; DOCBS –. VF.

A koubikularios was a eunuch who served the emperor.

Ex CNG
3 commentsSosius01/28/19 at 01:37Sosius: Thanks, Gert!
Brutus_Koson.jpg
Brutus Gold Stater Roman Consul Brutus in center accompanied by two lictors
KOΣΩN in ex. BR monogram on left.

Eagle standing left on scepter, wings open raising wreath in left claw.

Eastern mint, Dacia? 43-42 B.C.

8.38g

Choice aUNC

RPC I 1701; BMC Thrace p. 208, 1; BMCRR II 48; Crawford 433/1

Ex-ANE, Ex CNG

Clickable for larger image

For an excellent write up/ theory on these coins including a fascinating metalurgy report:
http://www.calgarycoin.com/reference/articles/koson/koson.htm

And of course the numiswiki article:
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Koson
17 commentsJay GT405/11/17 at 15:43Sosius: Yeah! You got one. Congrats. Great article link...
Jan.jpg
Fonteius denarius
Beardless laureate Janiform head of the Dioscuri XVI monogram below right chin, control letter R below left chin

C FONT (NT in monogram)
galley left ROMA below

Rome 114-113 BC



Sear 167, RRC 290/1

3.88g

Ex-Calgary Coin

This type honors the naval exploits of Publius Fonteius Capito, who was praetor in Sardinia in 169 BC. The obverse relates to the origin of the Fonteia gens, which claimed as its founder Fontus, the son of Janus, in whose honor the Fontinalia was held on October 13.
7 commentsJay GT405/11/17 at 15:32Sosius: Great galley!
Fabatus_k.jpg
Roman Republic, L. Roscius FabatusAR Serrate Denarius. 19mm. 3.6g, 6h; Rome, c. 59 BC
Obv.: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin; uncertain symbol behind.
Rev.: Female standing right feeding serpent to right; uncertain symbol behind.
Reference: Crawford 412/1 (symbols 215) / 16-373-215
2 commentsJohn Anthony05/11/17 at 15:31Sosius: Beautiful coin, beautiful surfaces!
Lentulus_k.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC. Cn. Cornelius Lentulus MarcellinusAR Denarius, 4.0g, 20mm, 6h; Spanish Mint, 74 BC.
Obv.: Diademed, draped and bearded bust of the Genius of the Roman People facing right, scepter over shoulder, "G P R" above.
Rev.: Globe between wreathed scepter and rudder, "EX - S C" in field, "CN LEN Q" below.
Reference: Crawford 393/1a; Sydenham 752.
1 commentsJohn Anthony05/11/17 at 15:31Sosius: Wow, great relief!
Constantius_II.jpg
Sold Constantius II Gold solidusDN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG
Diademed head of Constantius II right.

GLORIA REI PVBLICAE
Roma and Constantinopolis enthroned, facing each other, supporting wreath inscribed VOT XXXX, ANTΘ in exergue.

Antioch, 9th officina, ca. AD 355-361

3.96g

RIC VIII 172; Depeyrot 12/1.

Freed from an NGC holder! Quite a lovely coin in hand.

SOLD to Calgary Coin June 2017

5 commentsJay GT405/11/17 at 15:23Sosius: Nice one - must feel good to free a gold from a NG...
CivilWarRIC12.jpg
Civil Wars RIC 12Civil Wars 68-69 CE. AR Denarius (17.50 mm, 3.39 g). Spanish mint, April-June 68 CE.
O: BONI EVENTVS, Female bust right, wearing fillet; hair rolled and looped above neck
R: VICTORIA P R, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
- BMCRE I 292 Note + Taf 50.2; P.-H. Martin, the anonymous coins of the year 68 AD (1974) 82 # 99 PL 9; E. P. Nicolas, De Néron à Vespasien (1979) 1308 No. 31; 1435 f 1456 # 107 Taf 14.107 B; RIC I² Nr. 12 (Spain, 68 n. Chr.) R5 (Group I). Evidently the second known. The above references are all to one example found in Münzkabinett Berlin.

Likely struck by Galba in Spain between April 6 and early June, 68 AD, that is, between the dates of his acceptance of the offer from Vindex and of his receiving news of his recognition by the Senate.

The civil wars at the end of Nero’s reign began with the revolt of the governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, Gaius Julius Vindex, probably around the beginning of March of AD 68. Vindex had claimed that he had a force of 100,000 men, and a substantial coinage was certainly needed to pay them.

Vindex offered the leadership of the revolt to Servius Sulpicius Galba, then governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, who was hailed imperator by the Spanish legions at Carthago Nova in April of the same year. The title was cautiously refused, but Galba did declare himself the legatus of the senate and people of Rome. Just a month later, Galba’s confidence would be shaken by the crushing defeat of Vindex near Besançon by the general Lucius Verginius Rufus, governor of Germania Superior. By 9 June Nero was dead, having taken his own life. Galba began his march to Rome, and his brief reign was underway.

Without an emperor to strike in the name of (save for that in honor of the “model emperor” of Roman history, Augustus) the coinage was struck with messages suiting the political climate. The coinage under Vindex possesses a more aggressive air that underscores the militant nature of his revolt, while Galba’s tends to be more constitutional and optimistic in tone. Originally struck in large numbers, as indicated by the number of types employed, the coins of the civil wars are all rare today, having been recalled after the final victory of Vespasian in 69 AD.
5 commentsNemonater12/28/16 at 18:14Sosius: Great coin. Congrats!
BMC_Axum-577.jpg
Hahn_Aksumite-70_2.JPG
Aksumite Empire: Ella Gabaz (ca. 610-630) Æ Unit (Hahn, Aksumite 70.2; Munro-Hay 120; BMC Aksum 414)Obv: "King WZN" (in Ge'ez), draped bust right wearing headcloth, holding grain ear
Rev: "He who is Fitting for the People" (in Ge'ez), long cross with ends terminating in smaller crosses over a smaller Greek cross; gilding in center
1 commentsQuant.Geek02/12/16 at 17:04Sosius: love these Axumite coins!
Big-Islamic-hexa-octaeder-weight_Q-001_28x28x28mm_152,7g-s.jpg
Big "Islamic" Hexa-Octaeder (Kuboctaeder) type AE weightBig "Islamic" Hexa-Octaeder (Kuboctaeder) type AE weight
size: 28x28x28mm,
weight: 152,7g,
distribution:
date:
ref:
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans04/14/15 at 15:15Sosius: very cool.
Roma-Lead-seal-two-head-Q-118_mm_g-s.jpg
Rome, Lead Seal, #118Rome, Lead Seal, #118
Q-118
1 commentsquadrans04/14/15 at 15:14Sosius: Cool
Marc-Aurelius_AR-Den_M-ANTONINVS-AVG-ARMENIACVS_P-M-TR-P-XIX-IMP-III-COS-III_RIC-III-138_C-_Rome-165-AD_Q-001_1h_18mm_2,86g-s~0.jpg
037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0138, Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XIX IMP III COS III, Roma seated left, #1037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0138, Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XIX IMP III COS III, Roma seated left, #1
avers: M ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS, Laureate head right.
reverse: P M TR P XIX IMP III COS III, Roma seated left, holding palladium and scepter.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,0mm, weight: 2,86g, axis: 1h,
mint: Rome, date:165 A.D.,
ref: RIC III. 138, p-224, RSC 481, Sear ,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans04/14/15 at 15:12Sosius: great portrait on this one!
111~3.JPG
Convention - 3 livres - 1793 essaiModule de 3 livres, étain, 15,07 g, 34 mm.
A/ REGNE DE LA LOI 1793, génie gravant la Constitution.
R/ REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE L'AN II
Réfs : Brandon 123a ; Gadoury 45.
1 commentsGabalor04/08/15 at 21:08Sosius: Nice revolutionary piece!
AJB_92.JPG
A cabinet I built for a collector, featuring 18 trays and locking doors.

www.CabinetsByCraig.net
1 commentscmcdon092304/08/15 at 21:03Sosius: Nice!
ANTOSEc8-2.jpg
Antoninus Pius, RIC 607, Sestertius of AD 142 (Jupiter Stator)Æ Sestertius (25,67g, Ø 33mm, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 142.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right.
Rev.: IOVI STATORI (around) S C (field), Jupiter, naked, standing front, holding long sceptre and thunderbolt.
RIC 607 (rare); BMCRE 1247 var. (hd. left; note: variant with hd. right not in B.M.); Cohen 460; Strack 835 (3 spec. for hd. r.); Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 188 (3 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins and their Values II) 4184.
Ex CNG 91

According to Strack, this type was issued to thank Jupiter Stator for his help in the victory by Quintus Lollius Urbicus over the Brigantes in Britannia in 142.
4 commentsCharles S04/02/15 at 12:01Sosius: Shocked a big beautiful coin!
Domitian_AR-Den_DOMITIANVS-CAESAR-AVG_PACI-AVGVSTAE_EPHE_Ephesos-RIC-II-349-p56-new-_71-AD_Rare_Q-001_axis-6h_18mm_3,09g-s.jpg
024a Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 1447, RIC II(1962) 0349(Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Ephesos, PACI AVGVSTAE, EPHE, Victory advancing right, Rare!!!024a Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 1447, RIC II(1962) 0349(Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Ephesos, PACI AVGVSTAE, EPHE, Victory advancing right, Rare!!!
avers:- DOMITIANVS-CAESAR-AVG,
revers:- PACI-AVGVSTAE/EPHE, Victory advancing right,
exerg:-/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,09g, axes: 6h,
mint: Ephesos, date: 71 A.D. , ref: RIC 1447, RIC II(1962) 0349 p-56, RPC 848,
Q-001
4 commentsquadrans03/23/15 at 19:12Sosius: Fascinating bust. Beautiful coin all-around!
RPC2403.jpg
RPC 2403 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 12.56g
Alexandria mint, 69 AD
Obv: AYT TIT ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠAΣIAN KAIΣ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., date LA before neck
Rev: PΩ-MH; Roma standing l., with spear and shield
RPC 2403 (9 spec.). Emmett 206.1.
Ex Roma E16, 28 February 2015, lot 268.

The first coins struck for Vespasian anywhere in the empire are those dated "Year 1" (LA) from Alexandria Egypt. The two legions stationed there under the Prefect Tiberius Julius Alexander were the first to declare him emperor. According to Tacitus - "The first move to convey imperial status to Vespasian took place at Alexandria. This was due to the eagerness of Tiberius Alexander, who caused his legions to swear allegiance to the new emperor on 1 July" (Hist 2.79). The year 1 coins were struck between 1 July and 28 August. The obverse legend of these first coins lack the title Augustus (sebastos). However, those dated Year 2 (29 August 69 - 28 August 70) include the title, which is strong evidence that Vespasian did not immediately adopt it during the first two months of his reign. Vespasian did not arrive in Alexandria until December, so the Alexandrian die engravers probably had no idea of the new emperor's appearance. Vespasian's portrait on this coin is far removed from the more traditional bald, "straining" appearance we are used to. It is interesting to note this tetradrachm was struck nearly 6 months before the senate in Rome recognised Vespasian as emperor and the first imperial coins in his name were struck there.

Roma had previously been featured on the Alexandrian coinage of Galba, although as a bust and not the standing figure seen here.

A hefty coin in hand with an unusually "pinched" portrait and interesting reverse.
6 commentsDavid Atherton03/19/15 at 12:59Sosius: I like portrait. Sort of a mashup of Galba and Ve...
SEVESE05.jpg
Septimius Severus, sestertius of AD 196Æ Sestertius (23.22g, Ø 30mm, 12h), Rome mint, Struck AD 196
Obv.: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII, laurate, draped, cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus facing right.
Rev.: P M TR P IIII COS II P P (around edge) S C (in field), Victory advancing left, holding a wreath and a palm branch.
RIC 725 (S); Cohen 420
1 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:56Sosius: Great Septimius Severus portrait.
CARASE02.jpg
Caracalla, sestertius of AD 210, two emperors crowned by VictoriesObv.: M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust of Caracalla facing right.
Rev.: CONCORDIAE AVGG (around) S C (in ex.), Caracalla and Geta clasping hands above tripod altar, both holding spears, each crowned by Victory.
RIC -; Cohen -
ex Henzen (1995, "found during dredging in Lagliari harbour, Sardinia" ).
The reverse has been badly double struck but the representation can clearly be seen.

This type is not listed in RIC nor Cohen. Cohen reports a medallion of Caracalla with the same reverse representation. The same reverse is listed in RIC, Cohen and BMC but only for Geta and Septimius Severus. Another related type is listed in RIC 459 (R2) and Cohen 28: Caracalla and Geta clasping hands and holding spears, being crowned by Apollo and Hercules, minted A.D. 210.

A sestertius of Caracalla with the same reverse was in the Santamaria sale of 1938 but was overlooked for inclusion in RIC. It was purchased by Curtis Clay in 1967 and is in the British Museum since 1993. Thus this coin is the second specimen known of this type for Caracalla.
Curtis Clay noted that the obv. and rev. dies of this specimen are both different from the Santamaria-BM specimen. The rev. die was entirely new to him and unknown in combination with a Geta obv. either; the obv. die of this coin is known with TR P XIII (thus dating this coin to AD 210): three emps. sacrificing rev. dies, one being BMC pl. 62.1. (That BM coin has been tooled, and the tribunician number altered to XIIII.).
1 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:55Sosius: great coin
vitese03a~0.jpg
Vitellius, RIC 141, Sestertius of AD 69Æ sestertius (25.02g, Ø 36mm, 6h), Rome mint, struck AD 69
Obv.: A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP AVG PM TR P, laureate, draped bust of Vitellius facing right.
Rev.: S C in field, Mars, helmeted, naked, advancing right with spear and legionnary standard.
RIC 141 (R); BMC 58; Cohen 79, Sear (RCV II) 2208
ex Edgar Owen, 1997
4 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:54Sosius: Another stunner. I haven't seen a Vitellius p...
galbse05-2.jpg
Galba, RIC unlisted, Sestertius of AD 68-69 (Libertas)Æ Sestertius (25.2g, Ø33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 68-69.
Obv.: IMP SER GALBA CAES AVG P M TR P, laureate draped bust of Galba facing right.
Rev.: LIBERTAS PVBLICA (around) S C (field), Libertas standing left, holding pileus (liberty cap) and staff.
ex D.Ruskin (Oxford, 1997)

Not listed in RIC nor Cohen. Curtis Clay confirms that this is a new variety, giving the following additional information: "The obv. die is Kraay's A88, Aes of Galba pl. VII, known to him with rev. Victory holding Palladium, one spec., Paris = Giard 173, pl. XII = RIC 353. That's the only obv. die Kraay or RIC knew with this exact obv. legend and the laureate, draped bust. ... This LIBERTAS PVBLICA rev. die was apparently unknown to Kraay in any combination."
2 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:52Sosius: Exclamation great coin, you should be proud of this one!
galbse02-2.jpg
Galba, RIC 240, Sestertius of AD 68 (Roma)Æ Sestertius (24.3g, Ø36mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 68.
Obv.: SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG, laureate draped bust of Galba facing right.
Rev.: ROMA (ex.) S C (field), Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, holding vertical spear and leaning on shield.
RIC 240; BMCRE 88; Kraay 257 (officina D, obv.A55; rev.P104); Sear (Roman Coins and Values) 2119
ex G.Henzen (Netherlands, 1995)
broken flan chip restored at 8h (obv.) 10h (rev.)
3 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:51Sosius: Amazing!
Hadrse15-3.jpg
Hadrian, RIC 706f, Sestertius of AD 133-134 (Galley)Æ sestertius (24.4g, Ø33mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 133-134.
Obv.: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate and draped bust right.
Rev.: FELICITATI AVG (around) COS III P P (field below galley) S C (l. & r. of galley), Galley left with eight oarsmen: Triton on the bow, at the stern is a hortator and an arched cabin between two standards..
RIC 706f; Cohen 657; Strack 837; Banti 370; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 119/108c
ex G.Henzen (1995).

Commemorates Hadrian's return to Rome and the end of his travels in A.D.133.
2 commentsCharles S03/19/15 at 12:50Sosius: nice galley detail
medusas_50.jpg
Apollonia Pontica480 - 324 B.C.

150 years of Apollonia Pontica Medusa!
4 commentsJaimelai03/17/15 at 17:27Sosius: WOW!
Parions_2_50.jpg
ParionDrachm, 3/4 drachm or hemidrachm - Medusa from Parion!1 commentsJaimelai03/17/15 at 17:26Sosius: great collection of Medusas!
Hadrse30-2.jpg
Hadrian, RIC 631b, Sestertius of AD 125-128 (Diana) Æ Sestertius (27.4g, Ø33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 125-128.
Obv.: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right, drapery on left shoulder.
Rev.: COS III (around) S C (low across field), Diana (=Artemis) standing right holding bow and arrow.
RIC 631b; BMCRE 1281Cohen 316; Strack 600; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-2) 177 (35 spec.).
1 commentsCharles S03/10/15 at 19:08Sosius: Lovely figure of Artemis/Diana. Love the detail o...
230_P_Hadrian__Emmett_805_10.jpg
5565 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Tetradrachm 125-26 AD AlexandriaReference.
Emmett 805.10; Milne 1158; RPC III, 5565

Issue L ΔΕΚΑΤΟΥ = year 10

Obv. AVT KAI TPAI ΑΔΡΙΑ CEB
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right seen from behind.

Rev. L.ΔE KATOV
Bust of Alexandria right with elephant headdress.

6.75 gr
24 mm
1 commentsokidoki03/10/15 at 18:49Sosius: Great detail on the elephant headdress!
AugustusRIC325~0.jpg
Augustus, RIC 325, sestertius of 18 BCÆ Sestertius, 25,72g, 37mm, 10h; Rome, 18 BC
Coinage of C. Marcius Censorinus.
Obv.: C MARCI L F CENSORIN AVG III VIR AAA F F around large S C, large S C
Rev.: OB above, CIVIS within, SERVATOS below oak wreath flanked by two laurel branches.
RIC 325 [R2]; BMCRE 178; Cohen 454; Sear (Roman Coins & their Values) 1647
1 commentsCharles S03/10/15 at 18:48Sosius: Shocked Fantastic condition! Nicest I have seen.
hadrse44-2.jpg
Hadrian, RIC 613b, Sestertius of AD 119-121 (Hadrian riding) Æ Sestertius (22.52g, Ø 32mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 119-121.
Obv.: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: P M TR P COS III (around) EXPED AVG / S C (in two lines in ex.), Hadrian in military dress, on horse prancing left raising right hand, holding spear with banner (bandum) in left.
RIC 613b (scarce); Cohen 590; BMCRE 1260; Strack 591; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-2) 310 (same rev. die as plate, 3 spec.)
ex G.Henzen (2008).

EXPEDitio: Departure of Hadrian on his travels in 121 AD.
2 commentsCharles S03/10/15 at 18:45Sosius: Wow, what a beautiful coin!
287_P_Hadrian_Emmett_1114_18.jpg
5856 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian AE Diobol 133-34 AD Apis Bull altar beforeReference.
Emmett 1114.18; Dattari 2009; RPC III, 5856

Issue L IH = year 18

Obv. AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CEB
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., seen from front

Rev. L IH Date 18
Apis bull standing right, (no crescent or sun disk), Egyptian altar before

8.32 gr
23 mm
12h
2 commentsokidoki03/10/15 at 18:44Sosius: WOW. Very bold coin.
305_P_Hadrian_Emmett.jpg
5437 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Tetradrachm 123-24 AD Eagle standingReference.
Emmett 836.8 r2; Milne 1061; RPC III, 5437

Issue L H = year 8

Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CΕΒ
Laureate head right, with beautiful Aegis

Rev. L-H
Eagle standing right, head left, wings open.

12.98 gr
23 mm
12h.
1 commentsokidoki03/10/15 at 18:43Sosius: Nice one with an interesting bust
RPC1968.jpg
RPC 1968 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Tetradrachm, 13.93g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: AYTOKP TITOΣ KAIΣ OYEΣΠ; Bust of Titus, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing, l., with wreath in beak on palm branch; club in l. field
RPC 1968 (1 spec.).
Acquired from Roy's Coins, October 2014.

After the siege and sack of Jerusalem in August 70 AD, Titus Caesar spent three days outside the ruined city with his legions handing out rewards and spoils. Josephus tells us what followed next - "Then descending with his army to Caesarea-on-sea, he there deposited the bulk of his spoils and directed that his prisoners should be kept in custody; for the winter season prevented his sailing for Italy" (BJ 7.20). Presumably it is during the sojourn at Caesaera Maritima that this tetradrachm was struck. The coin dates to just after the fall of Jerusalem and is part of the group 6 Syrian tetradrachms. However, the style is fairly crude and the silver fineness variable, all evidence of a military issue. Titus is featured prominently in the series (no doubt due to his recent successful conclusion of the Jewish War) and the style is similar to other bronze coins attributed to Caesarea Maritima. With that in mind, the mint for this issue is most likely Caesarea Maritima and dates to the days or weeks after the fall of Jerusalem as part of the rewards Titus distributed to his triumphant troops.

RPC catalogues two rare versions of this type: one with the obverse legend starting at 6 o'clock (RPC 1967) and an even rarer variant with the legend starting at 12 o'clock (RPC 1968). This specimen is the rarer 12 o'clock variant.

The coin is well worn, but with clear devices and a wonderfully crude portrait. It's so thick that it reminds one not so much of a coin but of a large hunk of stamped metal.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/08/15 at 20:12Sosius: A lovely coin with a great history
V1446dark.jpg
RIC 1446 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.04g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1446 (C). BMC 470. RSC 38. RPC 847 (10 spec.). BNC 363.
Acquired from Lucernae, eBay, January 2015.

In Domitian's first imperial coinage issue he was given special treatment regarding the bust type chosen. The engravers at Ephesus depicted him cuirassed with a cloak draped over his left shoulder. Vespasian and Titus were not engraved so elaborately (although at Antioch Titus' bust is draped). Why this is so is a mystery. Unusually Domitian shares the same reverse types as Vespasian and Titus in this series, unlike at Rome where he largely had his own unique types. This Ceres reverse is probably the most common of his Ephesus denarii.

A worn coin to be sure, but the handsome bust shines through the wear.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/08/15 at 20:11Sosius: Great coin. Love the bust.
Nerodu13-2.jpg
Nero, RIC 450, Dupondius of c.AD 65 (Victory)Æ Dupondius (13.1g, Ø31mm, 6h). Lugdunum mint. Struck c.AD 65.
Obv.: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head left (globe)
Rev.: VICTORIA - AV-GVSTI (around) S C (field), Victory walking left, holding wreath and palm branch.
RIC 450; BMCRE 352
ex D. Ruskin (1998).
1 commentsCharles S03/06/15 at 23:13Sosius: Very very impressed with the run on large bronzes ...
Trajse33-1.jpg
Trajan, RIC 569, Sestertius of AD 107-110 (bridge)Æ Sestertius (27.1g, Ø34mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 107-110.
Obv.: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P laur. bust of Trajan right, paludamentum on l. shoulder.
Re.: S·P·Q·R·OPTIMO PRINCIPI [around] S C [in ex.] Single-span bridge with tower at each end, below a boat.
RIC 569; BMC 848; Cohen 542; Strack 385; Banti 261 (25 spec.); MIR 314(bD2); RHC 100:21.
ex CNG, 2001

According to Hill, the bridge represented on the reverse could well be the ancient Pons Sublicus.
1 commentsCharles S03/06/15 at 23:11Sosius: Great coin! I've been wanting one for years!
Domias14-1.jpg
Domitian, RIC 478 & 493, As of AD 86 (double reverse)Æ As (11,2g, Ø 30mm, 6h), Rome, AD 86
Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM.COS XII CENS PER P P, laureate head right, aegis
Rev.: M[ONETA] AVGVSTI, Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae, struck over [F]IDEI [PVBLICAE] (around), S C (field), Fides standing right with corn ears and plate of fruits (of which only the head is visible).
RIC II,1:478 & 493
ex G.Henzen (1998)

The double struck reverse is composed of parts from two different dies: upper left third: (F)IDEI (PVBLICAE) and head of Fides turned r. (RIC 478); other two thirds: M(ONETA) AVGVSTI (RIC 493). Curtis Clay gives a plausible and interesting explanation for this strange phenomenon: "Roman imperial bronze coins with perfect obverses, but two dies of the same or different types overstruck on each other on the reverse, occur with some regularity; large public collections like BM or Vienna probably possess 50-100 of them each and I've been able to buy maybe 10-15 for my personal collection over a period of about 30 years. What I don't doubt is the correct explanation which was suggested to me by Colin Kraay c. 1972, when showing me an As of Caracalla of that sort that the Ashmolean Museum had just acquired: might it not have been quicker to employ two mobile rev. dies alternately at each obv. die set in its anvil, so that while one worker was removing his coin and getting a new blank, the second would be striking his own coin at the same obv. die? The overstrikes in question resulted from failure to remove the coin from the obv. die after the first strike! Robert Kokotailo suggested to me a year or two ago that such an alternation might also have prevented the reverse dies from overheating. Many modern scholars have proposed that different rev. types were struck at different officinae or workshops within the mint, so it's rather neat to be able to point out that in fact different types were often struck alternately at one and the same obverse die, Fides-Moneta-Fides-Moneta-Fides-Moneta and so on until there was some reason to stop work or replace the dies!"
1 commentsCharles S03/06/15 at 23:10Sosius: Gorgeous coin with a great write up. This one is v...
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Trajan, RIC 564, Sestertius of AD 106-111 (Dacia mourning)Æ Sestertius (26.8g, Ø 33mm, 6h), minted AD 106-111, Rome
Obv.: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right
Rev.: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI (around) S C (ex)., Dacia, wearing a peaked cap, resting head on right hand, mourning, seated left on shield and arms before trophy with captured arms including curved sword and spear.
RIC 564; Cohen 534; Sear (Roman Coins & their Values, II)3296; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 101/28e
2 commentsCharles S03/06/15 at 23:07Sosius: Wow, great Dacia!
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MACRINUS. 217-218. Samaria, Caesarea Maritima. AE-26 MACRINUS. 217-218. Samaria, Caesarea Maritima. AE-26
Caesarea Maritima, Judaea.IMP CAE MACRINVS AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, with long beard
Rev. COLI FL AVF C / CAESAR Togate and veiled city founder ploughing to r. with bull and cow yoked
1 commentsMaritima03/03/15 at 18:27Sosius: Nice patina and great imagery!
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Taras, Calabria272 - 240/35 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (16mm, 3.09g, 3h)
Nikokrates magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on Ionic capital, head facing; [NIKO]KPAT[HΣ] to left, TA to right.
D'Andrea XLII, 1425; Vlasto 1099 (this coin); SNG France 1951-52; SNG ANS 1324-25; HN Italy 1052
From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. ex CNG

Vlasto plate coin, #1099.
“Michel P. Vlasto was born in Athens on the 1st February 1874 and studied in Marseilles.
… He was a born artist and very good at drawing. His artistic feeling made him a real worshipper of Greek art; everything beautiful charmed him; if he could have done so a museum would have been his home. The real pleasure he felt in admiring a beautiful work of Greek art was so intense that he used to say he could not imagine life without Art and that Beauty and Happiness went together. As a result he could not feel happy unless he was surrounded by Beauty. The room where he used to spend most of his leisure was a kind of temple in which a few perfect specimens of Greek art were the idols he worshipped in a real religious way.
… But all these splendid surroundings were only the frame of the world famous collection of Tarentine coins which represented his chief interest in life and really his sole hobby. But he did not limit himself to collecting coins as most collectors do; he was a real self-made scholar; his knowledge of Tarentine numismatic was complete; there was not a single coin in a public or private cabinet which he did not know, and nothing was said or written about Tarentum, its history and its art which escaped him. He published several contributions to numismatics and many of his books are famous.”

~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
4 commentsEnodia03/03/15 at 18:26Sosius: Beautiful coin with great provenance!
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Vespasian CyprusVespasian, 69-79 AD. AR Tetradrachm, 28 mm 12.94, Uncertain Cypriot mint, struck 75-76 A.D.

O: Laureate head left, AVTOKPATΩP OVЄCΠACIANOC KAICAP
R: Zeus Salaminios standing facing, holding patera in right hand, left hand resting on a short sceptre; eagle on left arm. ЄTOVC NЄOV IЄPOV H

RPC 1801, Prieur 1561, BMC 21
5 commentsNemonater03/03/15 at 18:25Sosius: nice and rare!
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MacrinusMacrinus. AD 217-218. AR Denarius, 20mm, 3.34 g, 7h. Rome mint. Struck AD 218.

O: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
R: Fides standing facing, head right, holding signum in each hand.
- RIC IV 67; RSC 23f.
2 commentsNemonater03/03/15 at 18:24Sosius: Portrait and cool reverse - well done!
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3) The Tyrannicides: BrutusGold stater, BMCRR II p. 474, 48; RPC I 1701A (Thracian Kings); BMC Thrace p. 208, 1 (same); SNG Cop 123 (Scythian Dynasts), military mint, weight 8.39g, 44 - 42 B.C.; obverse Roman consul L. Junius Brutus (traditional founder of the Republic) in center, accompanied by two lictors, KOΣΩN in ex, BR (Brutus) monogram left; reverse eagle standing left on scepter, wings open, raising wreath in right talon; ex CNG Store

From the Elwood Rafn Collection.

2 commentsSosius03/01/15 at 00:22Sosius: Thanks, Jay. The type with the BR monogram is rapi...
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Q. OppiusQ. Oppius. Bronze, Italy circa 46.
Obverse: Diademed head of Venus right; behind, capricorn.
Reverse: Rev. Q•OPPIVS•P•R Victory advancing left, holding palm branch and bowl of fruit; in lower r. field, thunderbolt.
Mint: Italy(?)
Minted: 46BC(?)
Dia: Æ 26mm.
Wt: 11.44g
Notes: Very rare, very fine.

Ex I. Vecchi sale 3, 1996, 6110.
Ex Naville Numismatics
Live Auction 6 , 6 April 2014, lot 109
1 commentsjimbomar02/06/15 at 17:13Sosius: Great rare coin in excellent condition!
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Gaius SosiusCilicia, Uncertain mint: Gaius Sosius, (Imperator?) ca. 38 BC.
Obverse: Obv: Bare head right.
Reverse: Rev: Fiscus, sella, quaestoria and hasta; Q below
Mint: Unknown Cilician or Syrian mint
Minted: c.38BC
Dia: Æ 24 mm,
Wt: 16.95 gm
1 commentsjimbomar02/06/15 at 17:12Sosius: Love seeing a Sosius coin!
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SOLD! Mark Antony & Julius Caesar portrait denariusM ANTON IMP R P C
Bare head of Mark Antony right, bearded, lituus behind

CAESAR DIC
Wreathed head of Caesar right, capis behind

Gaul, November 43 BC

Imperators 123, Crawford 488/2, Sydenham 1166, Cohen 3, BMCRR Gaul 55, 57

3.05g

Rare!

Ex-Alberta coins

From Sears Imperator's:

"This issue would appear to be a revival of the type struck by Antony in the spring during the war around Mutina. After his Gallic adventures Antony, accompanied by his ally Lepidus, was now back in Cisalpine Gaul to meet with his former opponent Octavian. The conference between the three men at Bononia in early November, set the seal on the formation of the Second Triumvirate, an event commemorated by this issue. It clearly belongs to the period immediately following the agreement at Bononia as the form of the triumviral titulature (R P C) had not yet been expanded to the normal III VIR R P C. A distinctive feature of this coinage is the portrait of Antony which has a strangely elongated form, giving it something of the appearance of a caricature. Presumably, Antony's retinue at this time lacked the services of a die-engraver competent in the art of portraiture."

SOLD Coin Expo May 2023 to C. Euston Coins
4 commentsJay GT412/03/14 at 20:07Sosius: Cool coin and great annotation.
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260 Claudius II Claudius II Rome mint?, IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing left, branch in right, vertical spear in left, shield at feet RIC 109?2 commentsRandygeki(h2)09/19/14 at 19:05Sosius: Great portrait in great style.
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Mark Antony Sol denariusM ANTONIVS M F M N AVGVR IMP TERT around (MP and RT ligatured)
Mark Antony, veiled and wearing the priestly robes of an Augur, standing right, holding lituus in right hand.

III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT
Radiate head of Sol right

Athens
Summer 38 BC

3.92g
Crawford 533/2, Sear Imperators 267

Ex-ANE, Ex-Seaby with original ticket

New Photo

Antony's third Imperatorial acclimation resulted from Ventidius' victory at Gindarus. Antony's depiction in priestly robes of an augur emphasizes the importance which he placed on the possession of this religious office. The word AVGVR features prominently on most of Antony's remaining coinage right down to Actium. No doubt this was to stress his adherence to Republican traditions. Sol is symbolic of the East and shows Antony's personal concern for eastern affairs after the distraction caused by his extended stay in Italy starting in the second half of 40 BC and running almost the whole of the following year
6 commentsJay GT408/25/14 at 19:54Sosius: nice!
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Valentinian II Valentinian II AE4 D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.VOT X MVLT XX. ALE[B?] in wreath, in ex Alexandria RIC?3 commentsRandygeki(h2)08/25/14 at 13:08Sosius: Interesting. Strange letter spacing on the obvers...
Thasos_3.jpg
Thrace, Thasos, Satyr, NymphThrace, Thasos
AR Stater (Circa 510-463 BC)
Obv.: Nude Satyr rushing right, carrying off protesting nymph
Rev.: Quadripartite incuse square
Ag, 9.59g, 21.8mm
Ref.: SNG Copenhagen 1008.
Ex Pecunem Gitbud&Naumann 20, Lot 64
3 commentsshanxi08/21/14 at 12:44Sosius: Great coin. I'd love to see a modern with rac...
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CÁC II. 18.11.1.1./a1.01./., Anonymous I. (Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-097, CNH I.-083, U-049, Different type of possibile "sigla" variationCÁC II. 18.11.1.1./a1.01./., Anonymous I. (Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-097, CNH I.-083, U-049, Different type of possibile "sigla" variation
ref: Huszár-097, CNH I.-083, Unger-049, sigla-variation (lot of dot or dots the different place on the same catalog Number coins)
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans08/18/14 at 12:28Sosius: Very cool and well done!
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TEMPLE, CONSIDIUS NONIANUS. Temple of Venus Erycina.AR denarius. 56 BC. 3.92 g, 5h. Laureate bust of Venus Erycina right, wearing stephane. C.CONSIDI NONIANI behind.SC before. / Temple on summit of mountain,sorrounded with ramparts, ERVC above gateway in centre. Craw 424/1. RSC Considia 1. Smyth V/12.
"Eryx was a son of Aphrodite and Butas, a certain native king of Sikelia (Sicily) of very great fame, and he was admired by the natives because of his noble birth on his mother’s side and became king over a part of the island. He also founded a notable city which bore his name; it was set upon a lofty place, and on the highest point within the city he established a shrine of his mother, which he embellished not only with a beautifully built temple, but also with the multitude of his dedications.
The goddess, both because of the reverence which the inhabitants of the region paid to her and because of the honour which she received from the son whom she had borne, displayed an exceptional love for the city, and for this reason she came to be called Aphrodite Erykinia . . . After Eryx has bestowed upon it the honours we have described, Aeneas, the son of Aphrodite, when at a later time he was on his way to Italy and came to anchor off the island, embellished the sanctuary, since it was that of his own mother, with many votive offerings."
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 83. 1 .
1 commentsbenito08/09/14 at 01:20Sosius: what a fantastic coin!
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TEMPLE, Augustus, AR Denarius MAR VLTAugustus, AR Denarius (3.61 gm). Laureate head right, CAESARI AVGVSTO / Domed hexastyle temple of Mars Ultor (the Avenger) containing legionary eagle between two standards, MAR VLT. RIC I 105a (pg.48); BMCRE 373; RSC 190.4 commentssocalcoins08/09/14 at 01:20Sosius: very nice!
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RIC VI Siscia 98a1 comments08/09/14 at 01:18Sosius: nice one!
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220 Trajan DeciusTrajan Decius, July 249 - First Half of June 251 A.D.

Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 9364, RIC IV 10b, RSC IV 2, VF, 4.268g, 22.5mm, 180o, Rome mint, 250 - 251 A.D.; obverse IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse ABVNDANTIA AVG, Abundantia standing right, emptying cornucopia held in both hands; scarce;


Abundantia, her Greek name is Euthenia, stands for abundance or plenty. Her attributes are heads of grain and the cornucopia. She can be seated or standing and is sometimes shown emptying a cornucopia.
2 commentsRandygeki(h2)08/07/14 at 20:49Sosius: Sharp Decius portrait
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No ClueIN HOC SIGNO VINCES around cross/ CONSTANTI dot IMP dot around crown ae 222 commentsRandygeki(h2)08/07/14 at 20:48Sosius: No clue either Cool
Constantinus-I__AE-3-Silvered_IMP-CONSTANT-INVS-AVG-1b_VICTORIA-LAETAE-PRINC-PERP-H11l__VOT-PR_P-T_RIC-VII-83-p-372-_Ticinum_318-319-AD_R2_Q-001_11h_17,5-18mm_3,41g-s~0.jpg
Ticinum, RIC VII 083, 136 Constantinus-I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/-//PT, VICTORIA LAETAE PRINC PERP, Two Victories standing, R2!!,Ticinum, RIC VII 083, 136 Constantinus-I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/-//PT, VICTORIA LAETAE PRINC PERP, Two Victories standing, R2!!,
avers:- IMP-CONSTAN-TINVS-AVG, 1b,H11l., High-crested helmet, cuirassed bust left, holding spear across the right shoulder.
rever:- VICTORIA-LAETAE-PRINC-PERP, Two Victories standing, facing each other, together holding shield reading VOT/PR on cippus, altar.
exergo: -/-//PT, diameter: 17,5-18mm, weight: 3,41g, axis: 11h,
mint: Ticinum, date: 318-319 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-083, p-372, , R2!!,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans08/07/14 at 20:48Sosius: another great portrait
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Siscia, RIC VII 095, 136 Constantinus-I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/-//BSIS*, VICT•LAETAE PRINC PERP, R3!!!Siscia, RIC VII 095, 136 Constantinus-I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/-//BSIS*, VICT•LAETAE PRINC PERP, R3!!!
avers:- IMP-CONS-TANTINVS-AVG, 1,H12-l, High crested, helmeted,cuirassed head left, spear across right shoulder, shield on left arm.
rever:- VICT•LAETAE-PRINC-PERP, Two Victories standing, facing each other, together holding shield reading VOT/PR on cippus, I on altar.
exergo: -/-//BSIS*, diameter: xxmm, weight: x,xxg, axis: h,
mint: Siscia, date: 319-320 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-95, p436, altar I,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans08/07/14 at 20:47Sosius: I love the highly-stylized portrait. It almost lo...
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290 ProbusProbus. AE Antoninus. 276-282 AD.
IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG, radiate bust left wearing imperial mantle,
holding eagle-tipped sceptre / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga facing.CM in lower centre. Mintmark XXIA.RIC V-2 Cyzicus 911.
2 commentsRandygeki(h2)05/01/14 at 13:00Sosius: I love the crazy head-on perspective of the revers...
Barbar-Fel-Temp-Rep-FH-type_Q-039_6h_15-16mm_1,84g-s.jpg
Barbarous Imitation, FEL TEMP REPARATIO type, #39Barbarous Imitation, FEL TEMP REPARATIO type, #39
avers:-Confused legends, Pearl diademed draped and cuirassed bust right,
revers:- Confused legends, Soldier spearing falling enemy horseman.
exerg: -/-//Confused text, diameter: 15-16 mm, weight: 1,84 g, axes:6h,
mint: , date: , ref: ,
Q-039
2 commentsquadrans02/07/14 at 19:42Sosius: I love the barbarous style. Seems so playful, eve...
D786.jpg
RIC 786 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.06g
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; Maia adv. l., with dove and caduceus
RIC 786 (R2). BMC 237A. RSC 295. BNC -.
Ex Gemini XI, 12 January 2014, lot 418. Ex C. Clay Collection. Ex Voirol Collection, M&M 38, 6-7 December 1968, lot 403. Ex M&M VI, 6-7 December 1946, lot 804. This specimen published by H. A. Cahn, 'Flaviana indedita', Num. Chronicle 1946 p. 22, 50.

A "Strange and uncertain reverse" is how this type for many years was described by the major reference catalogues. It is so rare that its very existence was in doubt. Eventually, other examples surfaced (including my coin in 1946) establishing there was indeed a "strange" type struck by Domitian towards the end of his reign. A woman with bird was the normal description until 2002 when T. V. Buttrey published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology a short paper establishing once and for all who the woman is and possibly why the type was struck. He identified her as Maia, the mother of Hermes/Mercury, wearing a winged helmet and possibly winged sandals. Maia is to be identified with "natural growth and commercial success" according to Buttrey. He further writes "For the precious metals, the constant themes were Domitian's offices, his military successes, his piety (in particular his relationship with Minerva), and the divine grace which infused his life, and by extension, that of the community. It is in this context that Maia should be understood, the coin illustrating the emperor's acknowledgement of the goddess's abundant favor."

Needless to say the type is fantastically rare, with perhaps a dozen known examples from only two reverse dies. The reverse die shown here (with my obverse dated TR P XV) is also shared with an obverse die dated TR P XVI, placing this coin in the very last weeks of Domitian's reign. During this time Domitian was introducing many new reverse types (winged Minerva, altar, temple reverses), perhaps indicating a change in direction regarding the typology on his precious metal coinage. However, the experiment was cut short by an assassin's blade, so we shall never know.

The example here has a very fine portrait for a late period piece and is well toned.

10 commentsDavid Atherton02/06/14 at 16:33Sosius: Great coin, and fascinating too. Congrats David!
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15.25 Hadrian and SabinaEGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.94 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right / Draped bust of Sabina right, wearing stephane; L–IH (date) across field. Köln 1093; Dattari (Savio) 1255; K&G 32.572. VF, find patina, slight die shift on obverse.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 34 (6 May 1995), lot 331.

Ex CNG eAuction 318
6 commentsSosius02/04/14 at 15:36Sosius: Thanks, Randy. I love it!
John_Ephesus.jpg
Byzantine Lead Seal: John, Archbishop of EphesusObv: Cruciform invocative monogram - Θεοτόκε βοήθει τῷ σῷ δούλῳ
Rev: Inscription of four lines - Ἰωάννῃ ἀρχιεπισκόπῳ Ἐφέσου

"Mother of God, help your servant John, archbishop of Ephesus"
1 commentsQuant.Geek01/30/14 at 13:39Sosius: Wow, fantastic seal!
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Spain - Ferdinand and Isabella - 330 grams!Ferdinand & Isabella (1469-1504)
Lead Seal ND, 91mm, 330.45g, Fine, corroded, rim dents.
An unusual item, bearing separate titles of Ferdinand and Isabella on each side; one with a portrait of the King on horseback, the other with the Queen seated facing on a Gothic throne supporting the arms of the Catholic Monarchs.
Ex-Heritage
3 commentsSosius01/30/14 at 13:38Sosius: Thanks, Mat! I feel lucky to own it.
Agrigent_BW_2012-10-07_13-09-13.jpg
Italy, Sicily, Agrigento, Temple of ConcordiaDue to its good state of preservation, the Temple of Concordia is ranked amongst the most notable edifices of the Greek civilization existing today. It has a peristatis of 6 x 13 columns built over a basement of 39.44 x 16.91 m; each Doric column has twenty grooves and a slight entasis, and is surmounted by an architrave with triglyphs and metopes; also perfectly preserved are the tympani. The cella, preceded by a pronaos, is accessed by a single step; also existing are the pylons with the stairs which allowed to reach the roof and, over the cella's walls and in the blocks of the peristasis entablature, the holes for the wooden beam of the ceiling. The exterior and the interior of the temple were covered by polychrome stucco. The upper frame had gutters with lion-like protomes, while the roof was covered by marble tiles.

When the temple was turned into a church the entrance was moved to the rear, and the rear wall of the cella was destroyed. The spaces between the columns were closed, while 12 arched openings were created in the cella, in order to obtain a structure with one nave and two aisles. The pagan altar was destroyed and sacristies were carved out in the eastern corners. The sepultures visible inside and outside the temple date to the High Middle Age.
2 commentsJoe Sermarini01/24/14 at 17:33Sosius: Cool! Were you recently there?
LucillaSestVenus.jpg
1bm LucillaWife of Lucius Verus, executed 182 AD

Sestertius
Draped bust, right, LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F
Venus standing facing left holding apple, drawing out robe, VENUS

RIC 1767

Daughter of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, she married Lucius Verus in 164.

According to Herodian: For the present, however, the memory of his father and his respect for his advisers held Commodus in check. But then a disastrous stroke of ill fortune completely altered his previously mild, moderate disposition. It happened this way. The oldest of the emperor's sisters was Lucilla. She had formerly been married to Lucius Verus Caesar. . . . But after Lucius died, Lucilla, who retained all the privileges of her imperial position, was married by her father to Pompeianus.

Commodus, too, allowed his sister to retain the imperial honors; she continued to occupy the imperial seat at the theaters, and the sacred fire was carried before her. But when Commodus married Crispina, custom demanded that the front seat at the theater be assigned to the empress. Lucilla found this difficult to endure, and felt that any honor paid to the empress was an insult to her; but since she was well aware that her husband Pompeianus was devoted to Commodus, she told him nothing about her plans to seize control of the empire. Instead, she tested the sentiments of a wealthy young nobleman, Quadratus, with whom she was rumored to be sleeping in secret. Complaining constantly about this matter of imperial precedence, she soon persuaded the young man to set in motion a plot which brought destruction upon himself and the entire senate.

Quadratus, in selecting confederates among the prominent senators, prevailed upon Quintianus, a bold and reckless young senator, to conceal a dagger beneath his robe and, watching for a suitable time and place, to stab Commodus; as for the rest, he assured Quintianus that he would set matters straight by bribes.

But the assassin, standing in the entrance to the amphitheater (it was dark there and he hoped to escape detection), drew his dagger and shouted at Commodus that he had been sent by the Senate to kill him. Quintianus wasted time making his little speech and waving his dagger; as a result, he was seized by the emperor's bodyguards before he could strike, and died for his stupidity in revealing the plot prematurely.

This was the initial reason for the young emperor's hatred of the Senate. He took Quintianus' words to heart and, ever mindful of what his attacker had said, now considered the entire Senate his collective enemy.

This incident also gave Perennis sufficient excuse for taking action, for he was always advising the emperor to eliminate and destroy the prominent men. By confiscating their property, Perennis easily made himself the richest man of his time. After the attempt at assassination had been thoroughly investigated by the prefect, Commodus without mercy put to death his sister, all those actually involved in the plot, and any who were under the slightest suspicion as well.
3 commentsBlindado01/24/14 at 14:04Sosius: I've been looking through your gallery and am ...
Misterium_Lead_plackett_Q-003_65mm_0,00ga-s.jpg
Misterium Plakett, Lead, Romae, Upper Moesia, #03Misterium Plakett, Lead, Romae, Upper Moesia, #03
diameter: 65mm
weight:
mint: Upper Moesia
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans01/19/14 at 10:35Sosius: Very interesting. A lot of imagery on a single pie...
Augustus_79-81-AD_AR-Ant_DIVO-AVGVSTO_CONSECRATIO_RIC_78_C-(Augustus)_578_Rome_Trajan_Decius_AD_249-251_Q-001_7h_20-21,5mm_3,37ga-s.jpg
002d Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), RIC IV-III 0078 (Traj.Dec.), Mediolanum, AR-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, Flaming Altar,002d Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), RIC IV-III 0078 (Traj.Dec.), Mediolanum, AR-Antoninianus, CONSECRATIO, Flaming Altar,
avers:- DIVO-AVGVSTO, Radiate head of Divus Augustus right.
revers:- CONSECRATIO, Flaming altar.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 20-21,5mm, weight: 3,37g, axis:7 h,
mint: Rome, date: struck under Trajan Decius, 249-251, A.D., ref: RIC IV-III 78; p-130C (Augustus) 578;
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans01/19/14 at 10:32Sosius: Nice. A fascinating issue!
quintillus5.jpg
Quintillus AntoninianusObv. IMP C M AVR CL QUINTILLUS AVG. Radiate, Draped and Cuirassed bust of Quintillus right
Rev. ViCTORIA AVG. Victory walking right holding wreath and palm branch.
2 commentsSkyler01/16/14 at 18:07Sosius: Great color! It's almost glowing.
XII_CAESARS.JPG
THE TWELVE CAESARS First Row
1: Julius Caesar, RSC 39
2: Augustus, RIC 51
3: Tiberius, RIC 26
4: Caligula (plated), RIC 18

Second Row
5: Claudius (plated), RIC 39
6: Nero, RIC 47
7: Galba, RIC 167
8: Otho, RIC 8

Third Row
9: Vitellius, RIC 66
10: Vespasian, RIC 334
11: Titus, RIC 206
12: Domitian, RIC 173

To see individual coins with descriptions, click links below

Imperators through the Julio-Claudian Emperors
Civil War through Flavian Dynasty
4 commentsMatt Inglima01/16/14 at 18:06Sosius: Awesome!
2012.JPG
2012 Highlights A few favorites from 2012

1: Lucania, Metapontum didrachm, c. 350 - 330 BC

2: Julius Caesar denarius, 44 BC

3: Publius Fonteius P.f. Capito denarius, c. 55 - 54 BC

4: Tiberius, denarius, 15 - 16 AD

5: Titus, Antioch denarius, 72 - 73 AD

6: Asia Minor, Carian Islands drachm, c. 88 - 84 BC

7: Tiberius, Olba, Cilicia Æ 24, c. 14 - 16 AD

8: Caius Fonteius denarius, 114 - 113 BC

9: Severus Alexander denarius, 231 AD

10: Maximinus I, Alexandria tetradrachm, 235 - 236 AD
4 commentsMatt Inglima01/16/14 at 18:05Sosius: Looks like 2012 was a great year! Well done!
Sol_Group.jpg
Here Comes the SunPortraits of Sol on Greek and Roman Coins

First Row:
RSC Aquillia 1, RIC IV 163 Caracalla, RSC 13 Mark Antony

Center:
RIC Vi 64 Aurelian, S3735 Hadrian, RIC VI 164b Maximinus II

Third Row:
Asia Minor GCV 5063 (var.), RIC IVii 112 Severus Alexander, RIC II 342 Trajan

All coins, obverse and reverse, with full descriptions may be seen in my gallery.
2 commentsMatt Inglima01/16/14 at 18:04Sosius: Very cool. I love creative groupings like this!
AE-dice_Q-001_10,5x10,5x8,5mm_7,41ga-s.jpg
AE-diceAE-dice4 commentsquadrans01/16/14 at 17:05Sosius: great way to display this artifact. Very nice!
Vitellius_2_RIC_109.jpg
Vitellius Denarius A.D. 69 RIC 109, RSC 111, BMC 39 A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right / XV VIR SACR FAC Tripod, raven below, dolphin above.
Maximum Diameter: 17.0 mm
Weight: 3.31 g

Tiny banker's mark in obverse field.
2 commentsTheEmpireNeverEnded01/09/14 at 19:33Sosius: I love the big nose portraits of vitellius. They ...
Fibula-060_Plain-Camp-Gate_fibula_Q-001_19x30mm_9,67g-s.jpg
Roman Plate, Skeuomorphic Plate, Openwork Plate, Camp-Gate Fibulae, Fibula #060, Fibula #060,
type: Skeuomorphic Openwork Plate, Camp-Gate Fibulae,
size: 19x30mm,
weight: 9,67g,
date: A.D.,
ref: .,
distribution: ,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans01/07/14 at 17:38Sosius: very nice
Thourioistater.jpg
Lucania, Thourioi StaterHead of Athena right wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla holding trident

ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ
Bull butting right, solid exurgal line below HR monogram above

c. 420-400 BC

6.74g

SNG ANS-1041-2 var


Ex-HJB; Ex Superior, 30 May 1995, lot 7072 (Lewis Egnew Collection)
4 commentsJay GT412/30/13 at 18:52Sosius: Congrats!
Postumus_RIC_83.jpg
Postumus Antoninianus A.D. 266/7 RIC 83, RSC 331, AGK 77, Sear5 10983IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust bust right / SAECVLI FELICTAS, emperor, wearing military attire, standing right, holding spear transversely and globe. Treveri mint.
Maximum Diameter: 20.0 mm
Weight: 3.63 g
5 commentsTheEmpireNeverEnded12/17/13 at 12:43Sosius: Fantastic bust. Here comes Santa Claus...
new2_copy.jpg
310.1 Constantine Iobv: CONSTAN_TINVS AVG rosette dia. drp. cuir. bust r.
rev: PROVIDEN_TIAE AVGG campgate with two turrents star above, arches at top with dots, base on bottom.
ex:-.//SMTSA
1 commentshill13212/16/13 at 15:26Sosius: nice addition!
3-Gordian-II-RIC-3.jpg
03. Gordian II / RIC 3.Denarius, March - April 238, Rome mint.
Obverse: IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG / Laureate bust of Gordian II.
Reverse: VIRTVS AVGG / Virtus standing, hand of shield, leaning on spear.
2.90 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #3; Sear #8467.
2 commentsCallimachus12/11/13 at 16:49Sosius: very nice
2-Gordian-I-RIC-1.jpg
02. Gordian I / RIC 1.Denarius, March - April 238, Rome mint.
Obverse: IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG / Laureate bust of Gordian I.
Reverse: P M TR P COS P P / Gordian I standing, togate, holding branch, and wearing parzonium.
2.88 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #1; Sear #8446.

The third century saw numerous usurpers in various parts of the Empire. However, the local revolt in Africa which brought Gordian I and his son to power was the first and only time the cause of a usurper was taken up by the Senate before a current emperor was dead. Thus the Gordiani became legitimate Roman emperors, and their coinage, all minted at the imperial mint in Rome, became legitimate coinage of the Empire.

Provenance:
ex Gillardi Collection.
Tinchant sale (1962).
4 commentsCallimachus12/11/13 at 16:49Sosius: Fabulous coin!
bDGORDIIS+bR.jpg
Gordianus II Africanus - Sestertius9 commentsRugser12/11/13 at 16:46Sosius: Great coin. Much nicer than mine!
H4a.jpg
Gordian I Africanus AR DenariusGordian I Africanus AR Denarius. March - April 238 AD. Rome mint. IMP M AND GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. / ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated l. on shield, holding victory and leaning on sceptre. RIC 4

VERY RARE - R2
EXTREMELY FINE - AS MINTED

Ex. G. Steinberg Collection
Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Zurich 16 nov. 1994, 662
Ex. Hess-Divo 2007
6 commentsRich Beale12/11/13 at 16:45Sosius: Stunning. Can't believe nobody else has paid ...
Republik_2.jpg
Cr. 394/1a, Republic, 74BC, C. POSTUMIUSC. POSTUMIUS
Denarius, 74 BC, Rome
Obv.: Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder.
Rev.: Hound running right, spear below, C. POSTVMI/TA ligate
Ag, 3.77g, 18.2mm
Ref.: Crawford 394/1a, Sydenham 785.
1 commentsshanxi12/11/13 at 13:33Sosius: Great toning and good, honest wear.
Caesar_AR-Den_Diademed-Venus-Head-Right_CCAESAR__IMPCOSITER_AALLIENVS__PROCOS_Syd-1022_Crawf_457-1_C-13_Sicily-mint_47-BC_Q-001_axis-9h_17-18,5mm_3,53g-s.jpg
001 Caesar (100-44 B.C.), Crawf 457-1, Sicily, AR-denarius, A•ALLIENVS PRO•COS, Trinacrus standing left,001 Caesar (100-44 B.C.), Crawf 457-1, Sicily, AR-denarius, A•ALLIENVS PRO•COS, Trinacrus standing left,
avers: C•CAESAR IMP•COS•ITER, Diademed, draped Venus Head Right,
reverse: A•ALLIENVS PRO•COS, Trinacrus standing left, placing the right foot on prow, holding triskeles in right hand and cloak in left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17-18,5mm, weight: 3,59g, axes: 6h,
mint: Sicily, date: 47B.C., ref: Crawford-457/1, Sydenham-1022, Babelon-Julia-14, Alliena-1, C-1,
Q-001
"In late 47 B.C. Caesar was on Sicily, preparing for his assault on the Pompeian forces in north Africa. During this period a small issue of denarii was produced in his name by Aulus Allienus, then the proconsul of Sicily. The reverse shows a figure of Trinacrus, supposedly a son of Neptune, who may have been invented to account for the name Trinacria, commonly used for Sicily. The coins of Allienus must have seen considerable circulation: almost all surviving specimens are considerably worn."
3 commentsquadrans12/10/13 at 18:16Sosius: Cool coin. Love the triskeles!
993458_590830347620547_603021064_n.jpg
250 GallienusGallienus Billon Antoninianus. Siscia mint. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate head right / LIBERO P CONS AVG, Panther walking left, B in ex. Cohen 586. RIC 574 4 commentsRandygeki(h2)12/09/13 at 16:30Sosius: Nice kitty
1479473_600230883347160_1238668460_n.jpg
210 Gordian III Gordian III AR Antoninianus. 238-239 AD. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing facing in military dress, head left, with shield & spear. RIC 6, RSC 381.3 commentsRandygeki(h2)12/09/13 at 16:28Sosius: Awesome flow lines and great reverse!
10512_14mm2_34g.jpg
Christian lead amulet First Bulgarian Empire (681 - 1018).Cross design in square, both sides. Bronze?
14mm/1mm 2.34
1 commentswileyc12/04/13 at 22:03Sosius: Interesting piece
P__Licinius_Nerva.JPG
P. Licinius Nerva – Licinia-7ROMAN REPUBLIC AR denarius P. Licinius Nerva. 113-112 BC. (3.78g), Rome. ROMA Helmeted bust of Roma to left, with spear and shield. Rev. P NERVA Voting scene Three citizens voting in the comitium. One voter casts his vote to right, to left another receives his from an attendant. Crawford 292/1, Sydenham 548, RSC 169, Licinia 75 commentsBud Stewart12/01/13 at 00:52Sosius: Great coin. Love it.
Claudius_2.jpg
Egypt, Alexandria, AD 052/053, Claudius, EagleClaudius
Alexandria, year 13, AD 52-53
Æ Diobol
Obv.: [TI] KΛAΥ KAI CEB[AC GEΡMA], laureate head right
Rev.: AΥTO [KΡA], L-IΓ, eagle standing right, head left, wings closed
Æ, 8.46g, 26.6mm
Ref.: Dattari 156; Geissen 105
Ex Höhn auction
1 commentsshanxi11/27/13 at 14:27Sosius: Nice.
Orbiana_1.jpg
RIC 4b, p.096, 319 - Orbiana, Concordia Orbiana
AR Denarius. Rome, AD 225-227
Obv.: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing stephane
Rev.: CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia
Ag, 2.84g, 18.9mm
Ref.: RIC IV 319, RSC 1, CRE 497 [C]
Ex Lanz Numismatik
2 commentsshanxi11/27/13 at 14:26Sosius: Rare and nice Very Happy
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