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1066 - 1087, William I (the Conqueror), AR Penny, Struck 1083 - 1086 at Wallingford, EnglandObverse: + PILLELM REX. Crowned, moustached, facing bust of William I, his right arm across chest holding short sceptre topped with cross over his left shoulder.
Reverse: + IEGLPINE ON PALI. ( Æthelwine on Wallingford) Large cross pattée within circle, each angle within cross holding an annulet, each annulet containing a letter which spells out the word PAXS, all within outer circle.
PAXS type (crown 1)
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 1.1gms | Die Axis: 6h
Spink: 1257 | North 848 | BMC 8
Dark, almost black, tone
Scarce
This coin, part of William's last coinage issue, was struck during the period that his famous Domesday book was being compiled. The issue may have continued to be struck for a short time into the reign of William I's successor, his son William Rufus, who reigned as William II.
William I, known as 'the Conqueror', was born at Falaise in 1027, son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and a girl called Herleve. Following the death, in 1066, of Edward the Confessor, who was childless, the English throne was seized by the powerful Earl Harold Godwinson who claimed, without corroboration, that Edward had named him as his successor on his deathbed. William, Duke of Normandy, a distant relative of Edward, also claimed that Edward had named him as successor to the throne during a period when Harold was in exile.
William invaded England, landing at Pevensey, meeting Harold who, after defeating an invading Norwegian force in the north, had had to make a forced march south from Stamford Bridge. Harold was defeated at the battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. This battle is commemorated by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
After his victory at Hastings William marched to London and was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066, according to the ancient English rite. Aldred, archbishop of York performed the ceremony.
William moved quickly to exert control over England, he introduced measures which included the imposition of the Forest Law, setting aside large tracts of land for hunting by the aristocracy.
William constructed numerous castles, including the Tower of London, to maintain order but, despite this, the years following his conquest saw a number of rebellions, all of which were brutally repressed. The social impact of these reprisals was huge because by the time of the Domesday survey in 1085-6 the vast majority of land not directly owned by William was controlled by Norman tenants.
After 1072 William spent the majority of his time in France, where he died. William I's death was the result of him being flung from his horse during fighting at the seige of Mantes. He died of his injuries, around a week later, at St. Gervais priory outside Rouen on the 8th or the 9th of September, 1087. William was buried at St Stephen's church in Caen, though even his funeral was not without its problems because, when his body was being interred, the tomb was found to be too small and William's embalmed remains were damaged when attendants were forced to squeeze them into the space.*Alex04/04/24 at 13:42Mat: Lucky, congrats.
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Julius Caesar Denarius (Portrait/Fasces and caduceus, RRC 480/6) v.1JULIUS CAESAR, 49-44 BC
AR Denarius (18.91mm, 3.53g, 12h)
Struck late February to early March, 44 BC. Rome mint
Obverse: CAESAR DICT PERPETVO, wreathed head of Julius Caesar right
Reverse: L·BVCA, fasces and winged caduceus in saltire; axe, clasped hands, and globe in three quarters
References: RRC 480/6, RCV 1409
Toned. A scarce, late-lifetime portrait denarius of Julius Caesar. Caesar received the title of Dictator Perpetuo (Dictator for Life) in February of 44 BC; this coin would have been struck mere weeks before his assassination on the ides of March that same year.CPK04/04/24 at 01:49Mat: Wonderful addition
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032p Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC III 6131, AR-Tetradrachm, L/K-A, Demeter standing facing, #1032p Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC III 6131, AR-Tetradrachm, L/K-A, Demeter standing facing, #1
avers: AYT KAIC TΡA AΔΡIANOC CEB, Laureate head of Hadrian, right (drapery on the left shoulder ?).
reverse: L/K-A, Demeter standing facing, head left, wearing crescent, holding ears of corn and torch.
exergue: L/K/A//--, diameter: 24,5-25,0mm, weight: 13,54g, axis: 11h,
mint: Egypt, Alexandria, date: 136-137 A.D., L-KA Year 21.,
ref:
RPC III 6131,
Emmet 832,
Milne 1519-1520, 1525,
Geissen 1209,
Dattari 1335,
Kampmann-Ganschow 032.720,
Köln 1209,
BMC 579,
Sear -,
Q-001
Note: Ex Savocaquadrans12/31/23 at 16:24Mat: Very handsome coin!
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RIC 1029 Titus DupondiusT CAESAR VESPASIANVS TR P COS VI
Laureate head left
PRINCIP IVVENT SC across lower field
Domitian Caesar on horse prancing left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left.
Rome; 77-78 CE
10.66g
RIC 1029 (R3)
HJB 225th Bid or Buy lot 63 from the Curtis L. Clay Collection; ex CNG E329, 25 June 2014, 409.
The reverse depicts Domitian participating in the Judaea Capta triumph of 71 A.D. He is, as Josephus described him, riding alongside in magnificent apparel and mounted on a horse that was itself a site worth seeing.
RIC notes that this is "presumably a mule, with the reverse of Domitian from the parallel issue." David Atherton believes the reverse die is intentional for both Titus and Domitian, making this an official pairing of dies for Titus. Regardless, the type is very rare. None in Forum galleries.Jay GT411/02/23 at 23:35Mat: Wonderful!
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Claudius Denarius Bust Of Agrippina Obv.
TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P
Laureate head right
Rev.
AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE
Draped bust of Agrippina Jr right, wreathed in grain
50 AD
17.5mm 3.11g
RIC 81 RSC 4 BMC 75ancientdave10/12/23 at 09:17Mat: Wonderful
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RIC 1557 Vespasian denariusIMP CAES VESP AVG PM COS IIII
Laureate head right
VICTORIA AVGVSTI
Victory standing right, crowning standard and holding palm
Antioch, 72-73 CE
3.43g
RIC 1557 (R2); RPC 1929
Ex-Harlen J. Berk Buy or Bid 224 lot 137 from the Curtis Clay Collection with his tag, Ex-Dionysos Feb 2012,
While this type is common for the mint in Rome it is very rare for Antioch, only 2 in Forum galleries (Atherton, Lucas). Nice centering line still visible Jay GT408/17/23 at 18:12Mat: Love the portrait on it
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Calabria, Taras Drachm circa 280-27215.00 mm., 2.97 g.
Head of Athena l., wearing Attic helmet.
Rev. Owl standing r. on thunderbolt, with open wings.
SNG ANS 1317. Historia Numorum Italy 1018.
Old cabinet tone and Good Very fine.
From the collection of a Mentor.Leo04/04/23 at 13:40Mat: Wonderful
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RIC 0418 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Sestertius, 23.05g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CAESAR DOMITIAN COS DES II; S C in field; Domitian riding l., with sceptre
RIC 418 (R). BMC 628. BNC 615.
Acquired from Andrew Cichos, August 2022.
An early sestertius struck for Titus Caesar featuring a reverse of Domitian Caesar on horseback. The type was commonly struck for Domitian under Vespasian in silver and on the middle bronzes, rarely for the sestertii. It likely commemorates Domitian's role in Vespasian and Titus' joint Jewish War Triumph - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii), this was the normal practice for a young prince on such occasions. One couldn't ask for better dynastic propaganda than to have Titus pay homage to his younger brother on his very own coinage! This type has always intrigued me because of the contemporary gossip surrounding the brother's negative attitude towards one another. Was this a deliberate attempt to counter those rumours? A double die match with the Paris specimen. David Atherton09/09/22 at 14:49Mat: Love this one, nice addition
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Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 309Septimius Severus AR denarius
2.07g, 19.9mm, 180 degrees, Rome mint, 202-210 CE.
Attribution: RIC IVa 309 Cohen 794. BMCRE V 377.
O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right.
R: VOTA SVSCEPTA XX, veiled figure of Severus standing to left, sacrificing out of patera over altar; Caracalla stands to right; flute player between them.
1 example in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.104. Ex-GK collection.
Ex-Roma Numismatics E-sale 96, lot 1186, May 5, 2022.Ron C206/30/22 at 14:31Mat: Fantastic
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2343 Hadrian Denarius Roma 130-38 AD SalusReference.
RIC II, 269; C. 1331; RIC 2343; Strack 265
Bust A2+
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Bare head, with drapery
Rev. SALVS AVG
Salus standing left, holding patera before snake entwined altar, and also holding sceptre
3.31 gr
18 mm
6hokidoki06/21/22 at 23:16Mat: Great portrait
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RIC 605 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; all within laurel wreath
RIC 605 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex CNG E517, 1 June 2022, lot 509. A. Short Collection, acquired from Peus 2021.
In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and night-time religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games. Three reverse designs were produced for the denarii: herald with wand, cippus (column) within wreath, and herald standing by a cippus and incense burner. The vast majority of the Secular Games denarii were produced with right facing portraits, only a scarce handful feature one facing left. This cippus reverse with portrait left is only the second known specimen, the lone example cited by RIC is from the ANS collection (a double die match), a supreme testament to its rarity! David Atherton06/19/22 at 10:56Mat: Sweet coin, David. Love the toning on it.
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RIC 0857 (V) Titus AureusT CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN
Laureate head of Titus right
COS V
Cow (heifer)standing right
Rome, 76 CE
6.84g
RIC 857 (C)
EX-Stephen Album Auction 43 lot 69
It has been proposed that the cow depicted on this type is one of the famous statues by the fifth century BCE Greek sculptor Myron. Myron's statues were brought to Rome by Augustus and were placed in the temple of Apollo on the Palatine in 28 BCE. Vespasian moved them to the new Temple of Pax that he began constructing in 71 CE, to celebrate the end of the Jewish War.
Jay GT406/02/22 at 18:12Mat: Wonderful addition, congrats.
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169 - Constans - AE2 - RIC VIII Rome 158AE2
Obv:- D N CONSTANS P F AVG, Pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust left holding globe, N behind bust
Rev:- FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Helmeted soldier, spear in left hand, advancing right, head left; with his right hand he leads a small bare-headed figure from a hut beneath a tree. The spear points down and to the left
Minted in Rome; (_ | N //RE)
Reference:– RIC VIII Rome 158 (Rated R)
21.39 mm, 4.25g, 0 degreesmaridvnvm06/02/22 at 13:52Mat: Wonderful portrait & reverse.
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RIC 1426(5A)1 Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968.
Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection.
Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:
'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'
I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck. David Atherton06/01/22 at 03:11Mat: Wodnerful coin, David. I love this one.
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3361 CILICIA, Mopsus Hadrian Tetradrachm, SabinaReference.
RPC III, 3361; vA 33; Prieur 725A
Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ Θ ΤΡ ΠΑΡ ΥΙ Θ ΝΕΡ ΥΙ ΤΡ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ, Π Π (in field)
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., with paludamentum
Rev. ϹΑΒΕΙΝΑ ϹΕΒ ΑΔΡΙ ΜΟΨΕΑΤⲰΝ ΠΟΛΕⲰϹ
Draped bust of Sabina as Artemis, r. with stephane and quiver on shoulder
12.79 gr
25.3 mm
12hokidoki05/08/22 at 10:46Mat: Great one
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RPC 2405 Vespasian TetradrachmAYT TIT ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠAΣIAN KAIΣ
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right, date LA before neck
ΦΛΑΥΙ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣ
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Titus right with gorgoneion on breast plate
Alexandria, Egypt
1 July - 28 Aug 69 CE
11.77g
RPC 2405 (6 spec.) Rare!
Ex-CNG e-auction 514, lot 335
The Roman legions in Alexandria proclaimed Vespasian emperor on 1 July 69 CE. This coin was struck within the two months before the Egyptian new year began on 29 August 69 CE. A fairly rare type that doesn't come to market often compared with year 2 coins.
Jay GT405/05/22 at 20:38Mat: Very jealous, wonderful coin!
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1567 Milled Sixpence of Elizabeth IDenomination: 6 Pence
Date: 1567
Metal: AR
Obverse: Small bust of Elizabeth, rose behind. Lis at 12 oclock. ELIZABETH;D;G;ANG;FRA;ET.HI;REGI
Reverse: Square-topped shield over long cross fourchée. Lis mintmark @ 12:01. Legend: POSVI DEV;AD IVTORE M.MEV; around. .15-67 above shield.
Mint: Tower mint, London
Dimensions: 25mm, 3.02 g, 10h
Reference: Spink 2599. North 2030
Provenance: Purchased from CNG, Inv #593244
The earliest milled coinage of England.
04/04/22 at 03:29Mat: Amazing, I still want one myself.
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Kyme the AmazonAEOLIS. Kyme. Epirus Marcellus, procos III (69-96)
AE 19
Bust of the Senate, ΘEON CVNKΛHTON
Amazon Kyme standing left, holding trident and globe, EΠPIΩ MAPKEΛΛΩ / KY
RPC II, 971, SNG Copenhagen 144
It's hard to say for certain, but it looks like Kyme is wearing a Scythian pointed hat with ear flaps, trousers, and boots, which would make this a fairly accurate portrayal if a female Scythian horse warrior, who were the actual historical amazons. There are only two examples of this coin in acsearch.
Thanks to Pekka K for the proper attribution.Blindado03/17/22 at 01:46Mat: This is great
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RIC 0848 Julia Titi Cistophorus TetradrachmIVLIA AVGVSTA DIVI TITI F
Draped bust of Julia right
VESTA
Vesta seated left, holding Palladium and sceptre
Rome mint for Eastern circulation, 82 CE
10.60g
RIC II 848 (Domitian) (R), RPC II 871, RSC 15, BMCRE Domitian 258; Sear 2914
Rare
Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-CNG (with tag)
Julia was the daughter of Titus and lived with her uncle Domitian as his mistress from 84 AD until her death in 89 AD. Suetonius said she died as a result of an abortion which was forced on her by Domitian. After her death she was deified which is commemorated on this coin.Jay GT402/16/22 at 19:00Mat: Wonderful addition, very jealous.
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Denar, RIC 3, p.273, 749 var. - Faustina II, Ustrinum Diva Faustina Junior
Denarius, Rome, 176-180.
Obv.: DIVAE FAVSTIN AVG MATR CASTOR Veiled and draped bust of Faustina Junior to right.
Rev. CONSECRATIO Ornamented funerary monument of four stories with biga atop.
AR, 19mm, 3.26g, 6h
Ref.: BMC 701, Cohen 81, RIC 749 var., CRE210 [R2]
shanxi01/23/22 at 11:32Mat: A real beauty
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RIC 0023 Titus DenariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Laureate head left
TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P
Ceres seated left with corn ears, poppy and torch
Rome, after July 1, 79 CE
2.87g
RIC 23 (R3)
Ex-Biga Online auction 7, lot 768
This is the third known example of an extremely rare type. One from the Harry Sneh collection sold at the Gemini IX sale, 8 January, lot 333 (RIC reference coin, no image). The second example is found in the David Atherton collection. This being the 3rd, shares both obverse and reverse dies with the Atherton coin.Jay GT401/20/22 at 23:58Mat: Congrats on a wonderful addition
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Judaea First Revolt AR "Shekel" Year 5 ŠQL YSR’L (shekel of Israel)
around a chalice used in the temple cult, above Year 5
YRWŠLM HKDWŠH (Jerusalem the holy)
around a branch with three pomegranates
Jerusalem; March 4th-August 70 CE
13.45g
Hendin 6399 (6th);1370 (5th); TJC 215
Hand struck with modern dies in silver
Shekels were minted in all five years of the revolt with year 1 being scarce, years 2 and 3 the most common, year 4 very rare and year 5 the rarest. Only about 25 of the year 5 shekels are recorded. The rarity and price excludes me from the market for a real coin, hence the purchase of a modern hand struck replica in silver.
Jay GT401/11/22 at 20:36Mat: Take what you can get.
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RPC 1609 VespasianÆ23 9.44g
Iconium (Galatia-Cappadocia) mint, undated
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COL IVL - AVG - ICONI; Priest ploughing, l.
RPC 1609 (1 spec.).
Acquired from Musa Numismatic Art, December 2021.
Iconium produced coins with Greek legends under the Julio-Claudians for Nero and Claudius. Under the Flavians there are two series, one in Greek and the other in Latin. RPC explains the importance of this: 'The Latin series (1609-11) proves that a Roman colony was created at Iconium under Augustus as the reverse of Vespasian's issue reads Col(onia) Iul(ia) Aug(usta) Iconi(ensium). Before these coins came to light, it was thought that Iconium was created a colony under Hadrian, perhaps in 136/7, according to CIL Suppl. 12136, where a Col(onia) Aelia Hadriana Aug(usta) is mentioned...The old polis of Iconium and the new colony lived side by side and a distinction was drawn between natives and colonists, which explains the two parallel series of coins, struck in two denominations.'
The ploughing ritual depicted is the creation of a boundary known as the sulcus primigenius, the first furrow, which delineated the line of the pomerium. The pomerium was a city’s ritual boundary which demarcation the sacred from the profane. The creation of this boundary was the first step in the foundation of a new colony.
Coins matter, they sometimes can rewrite history!David Atherton12/23/21 at 12:01Mat: Probably my favorite coin you got this year.
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RIC 0938 VespasianIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
laureate head left
COS VIII
Mars standing left, holding spear and trophy
Rome, 77-8 CE
3.30g
RIC 938 (C)
Ex-NBS web auction 9 lot 1544Jay GT412/21/21 at 20:44Mat: Love the portrait on it
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0373A Hadrian Denarius Roma 119-23 AD LibertasReference.
RIC 373A.; Strack 75; RIC II, 128; BMC 290; C. 907.
Bust C2
Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN-HADRIANVS AVG
Laureate, draped, bust viewed from back
Rev. P M TR P COS-III LIB | PVB in field
Libertas standing left, holding pileus and vindicta
3.36 gr
20 mm
6hokidoki10/20/21 at 13:20Mat: Handsome addition
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RIC 0661 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] VariantÆ Dupondius, 10.98g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 661 var. (rev. legend). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, September 2021.
The propaganda value of Pax for the Flavian dynasty after the Civil War, the revolt of Civilis, and the Jewish War cannot be overestimated. In her various guises she is one of the most popular types on Vespasian's coinage and shows up quite frequently during the reign on the coins struck for both himself and his sons. This early dupondius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian shows Pax leaning on a column, which likely copies a well known cult image of the goddess. Domitian's dupondii in these initial issues can be distinguished from the asses by their metal and draped busts. RIC records a unique specimen of the Pax type with AVGVSTI as RIC 661 but does not list this variant with AVGVST. It is also unlisted in the Addenda and Corrigenda. So, apparently unpublished and unique!David Atherton10/04/21 at 20:23Mat: Great find, congrats
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Constantius London Mint Follis RIC 14aDenomination: Follis
Era: 297-305 CE
Metal: AE
Obverse: FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, Bust L. of Constantius cuirassed
Reverse: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI, Genius stg. L., modius on head, naked but for chlamys over l. shoulder, r. holding patera.
Mint: London
Weight: 7.99 g.
Reference: RIC 14a
Provenance: AAMC Auction 3, July 24, 2021, lot 306; From the Caesar_Augustus collection, Ex. Frank S. Robinson Auction 110, Lot 317
Abt. EF, slight doubling on the reverse, good style portrait, substantial remaining silvering and reflective surfaces. London folles are rarely seen with so much silvering. Constantius was responsible for retaking Britain from Allectus. Cloke & Toone comment that the portraits of Constantius are much more likely to be of better, more refined style than those of the other tetrarchs.
08/15/21 at 17:24Mat: great piece
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RIC 506 TitusÆ Quadrans, 3.29g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VES F AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVLIA AVGVSTA; Julia std. l., with patera and sceptre
RIC 506 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC p. 137.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2021.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style, fabric, and unique obverse legends (DIVI VES F in this case) 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.
This extremely rare orichalcum quadrans featuring Titus' daughter teenage Julia Titi on the reverse is unique to this mint. It is also the only time both father and daughter appeared jointly on an imperial coin. Julia was granted the title Augusta sometime in 80 or 81 which may have prompted her presence on the coinage. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections and only referenced in RPC (p. 137) as possibly from Rome with no specimen in the plates. Attractive dark patina with golden highlights.
David Atherton07/27/21 at 16:50Mat: Beautiful little coin.
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RIC 1483 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.33g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS V; Bull, stg. r.
RIC 1483n (R2, this coin). BMC 486. RSC 56. RPC 1458 (3 spec.). BNC 374.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 583. Ex Harry N Sneh Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 142, 10 October 2005, lot 2398.
The infamous 'o' mint denarii (the 'o' is often not visible but is quite bold on this specimen!) struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production. This bull reverse copies a much more common Rome mint 'Cow of Myron' proto-type. The exact sex of the bovine is in doubt - some catalogues call it a cow, others a bull. RIC also makes a distinction between 'humped' and 'non-humped' bulls and uses the above coin in the plates to illustrate the 'non-humped' variant. Very rare, only a handful of specimens known.David Atherton07/10/21 at 11:23Mat: Amazing addition
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RIC 0716 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.85g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M TP COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Obv: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 716 (C2). BMC 698. BNC 714.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
Felicitas was by far the most common type struck on the dupondius during Vespasian's reign. Here she symbolises the abundance and prosperity the emperor has brought to the empire.David Atherton05/26/21 at 17:58Mat: Hearty portrait
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Provincial, Peltae, Phrygia, AE24, ΠεΛΤΗΝΩΝ Μ ΑΡΧ ΤΑΤ ΑΡΙΩΝΟCAE24
Roman Provincial: Peltae, Phrygia
Julia Domna
B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
Augusta: 193 - 217AD
Magistrate: Tat. Arionos
Issued: 203 - 205AD
24.0mm 7.00gr 6h
O: IOYΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ CεΑΥ; Draped bust, right; beaded border.
R: ΠεΛΤΗΝΩΝ Μ ΑΡΧ ΤΑΤ ΑΡΙΩΝΟC; Tyche, standing left, holding rudder on globe, wearing polos, holding cornucopia.
Peltae, Phrygia Mint
BMC 17; SNG Fitz 4996.
NSB Auctions, Auction 4, Lot 385
4/3/21 5/25/21
Nicholas Z05/26/21 at 17:42Mat: Nice, I like this one a lot.
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Provincial, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior, AE16, NIKOΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC IAE16
Roman Provincial: Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior
Septimius Severus
Augustus: 193 - 211AD
Issued: ?
16.0mm 2.75gr 2h
O: AY K CEYHP; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust, right; beaded border.
R: NIKOΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC I; Tetrastyle temple, Asklepios with staff within; beaded border.
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior Mint
VF; Rated R1
H&J 8.14.46.15; AMNG 1402; Moushmov 1021a; Varbanov -.
Savoca Munich/Claudia Savoca 101st Blue, Lot 538.
4/25/21 5/25/21Nicholas Z05/26/21 at 17:42Mat: Nice portrait & reverse
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Provincial, Anchialus, Thrace, AE27, OYΛΠΙΑΝΩΝ ΑΓΧΙΑΛΩΝAE27
Roman Provincial: Anchialus, Thrace
Septimius Severus
Augustus: 193 - 211AD
Issued: ?
27.0mm 12.10gr 7h
O: AY K Λ CεΠ CεΥΗΡΟC; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust, right, seen from behind; beaded border.
R: OYΛΠΙΑΝΩΝ [ΑΓΧΙΑΛΩΝ]; Prize urn with palm fronds standing on either side; beaded border.
Exergue: CεΒΗ-εΦΙΑ-ΝΥΜ-ΦΙΑ, written in four lines.
Anchialos, Thrace Mint
AMNG Thrace 493.
Themis Numismatics Auction 9, Lot 374.
4/11/21 5/25/21Nicholas Z05/26/21 at 17:41Mat: Wonderful
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RPC 0607 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Assarion, 5.41g
Koinon of Bithynia, Reign of Vespasian (69-79 AD), M. Maecius Rufus proconsul
Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣ ΥΙΟΣ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΠΙ Μ ΜΑΙΚΙΟΥ ΡΟΥΦΟΥ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΟΥ; Spear and round shield
RPC 607 (6 spec.).
Acquired from eBay, May 2021.
The Koinon of Bithynia produced several issues of bronze coinage during Vespasian's reign under four separate proconsuls, all of which are undated which makes assigning a chronology difficult. This assarion of Domitian Caesar struck under the proconsulship of Maecius Rufus possibly dates towards the middle of Vespasian's reign, but hard evidence is lacking to be certain. The reverse likely commemorates the silver shield and spear granted to Domitian Caesar as princeps iuventutis by the equestrian order. A most appropriate reverse type for the young prince.
As mentioned above, I purchased this coin because of the artistic portrait, which is one of the finest I've come across for this issue (normally they are a bit more unrefined). In other words it's not a 'Friday afternoon' die.David Atherton05/26/21 at 17:36Mat: Nice portrait on this
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RPC 2045 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ24, 14.20g
Berytus mint, undated
Obv: IMP T CAESAR AVG F; Head of Titus, bare, l.
Rev: COL IVL AVG; Veiled figure ploughing to r., with two oxen
RPC 2045 (10 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
The Roman colony of Berytus struck an undated issue of bronze coinage under Vespasian for both himself and Titus Caesar. The coins feature Latin legends with the traditional reverse type of a founder ploughing with two oxen. The ploughing ritual depicted is the creation of a boundary known as the sulcus primigenius, the first furrow, which delineated the line of the pomerium. The pomerium was a city’s ritual boundary which demarcation the sacred from the profane. The creation of this boundary was the first step in the foundation of a new colony. Berytus became a Roman colony in 14 BC during the reign of Herod the Great.David Atherton05/26/21 at 17:35Mat: Love this one
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RIC 0815 DomitianusObv: DOMITIANVS AVG GERM, Bare head right
Rev: Hexastyle temple on podium of two steps; within, Jupiter seated flanked by two figures; on roof, quadriga facing flanked by two standing figures each on right and left; architrave inscribed IMP CAESAR
AR/Denarius (20.03 mm 2.80 g 6h) Struck in Rome 95-96 A.D.
R.I.C. 815 (R2) - RSC 174 - BMCRE 242 - BNF 216
ex Gitbud & Naumann eBay 2012FlaviusDomitianus05/26/21 at 17:30Mat: Great reverse
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RIC 0605Domitian AR Denarius 88 CE September 14-December 31(Third Issue)
(3.14g)
Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; All within laurel wreath
RIC 605 (R3)
Purchased from Dr. Busso Peus Nach April 16, 2021
I never thought that I would own one of these. All left-facing portraits of Domitian are very rare to extremely rare on his denarii. This is now my fourth left-facing denarius for Domitian and this is the most important one I have acquired. In fact, this may be the most important coin in my collection.
This coin is desirable because it is a secular games denarius. Though some of these are available to the collector on a fairly consistent basis, some from this series are incredibly rare. However, rarity aside, all of the secular games denarii are very much sought after. When they appear they are usually snapped up very quickly indeed. One reason for this is that the denarii of Domitian are dominated by the 4 Minerva reverses. Though I love those coins too, because of some hidden treasures in the midst of some extremely common issues, many collectors feel differently. In fact, I understand while many would call Domitian denarii boring. However, this new acquisition is anything but boring.
First, just look at the portrait. Domitian denarii struck between 84-88 are known for some amazing portraits executed by very talented engravers. In fact, within my collection, I have examples from the same engraver on different denarii! The style of this one is so superb and distinctive that I should be able to match this coin to other examples of the engraver's work. Given the rarity of this coin, it is no surprise that my coin is a double-die match to the RIC plate coin. The plate coin is held by the ANS in New York City. Just how rare is the coin? RIC lists it as R3 which means that one example was known to the authors of RIC (2007) at the time of publication. That has 2 implications. First, it means that mine is the second one known and secondly, it means that my coin is the only one known in private hands. That means that I have the responsibility of keeping this coin secure until it passes to the next owner. I am just a temporary guardian for this coin struck almost 2000 years ago.
It may be said that perhaps as a coin of Domitian it is not so important. Domitian's coinage is not avidly pursued like the coins of more famous figures such as Nero, Augustus, Julius Caesar, Brutus, and others. However, I would argue it is an important coin because it marks the secular games; a known historical event. Of course, Domitian is also important as the last member of the Flavian family of emperors. The Flavian era brought stability after the disastrous year of the four emperors. Domitian's father Vespasian would initiate the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, known today as the colosseum. Domitian's brother Titus finished the construction after the death of Vespasian. I would therefore say that this coin is an artifact of a very interesting historical period and as such is historically interesting.
No one knows why these left-facing portraits are so rare on Domitian's denarii. Left-facing portraits appear regularly on the bronze issues of Domitian. Also, left-facing portraits of Titus and his father Vespasian do appear on their denarii. While true that some of these are rare to very rare, many are not. In fact, some are very common indeed.
I like these unsolved mysteries associated with ancient coins. While it might someday be discovered why Domitian's denarii include so few left-facing portraits, it may also remain unknown for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, I find myself thrilled to be the temporary custodian of this piece. I am also going to keep my eyes open for other left-facing denarii of Domitian that become available.orfew05/12/21 at 00:37Mat: Sweet addition
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RPC 1610 TitusT CAES IM PONT
Laureate head right
COL ICO NIEN E Q
two standards; between them, star
Galatia, Iconium
19.3mm, 5.02g
RPC II 1610 (Rare 10 specimens) this coin #10 RPC online
Ex-Themis Numismatics Auction 9 lot 447
The reverse reads "Colony of Iconium, founded by the fifth Gallic legion"Jay GT405/08/21 at 21:17Mat: Nice portrait & patina
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Ric 333 (2)Domitian 81-96
AR denarius
Struck 85 AD (Fourth issue)
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII
Head of Domitian, laureate
IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT PP
Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, holding spear and shield, owl at foot right (M2)
3,47g/20mm
Ric 333(R2)
Ex Gerhard Hirsch E-auction 3, lot 199Parthicus Maximus05/08/21 at 13:30Mat: Great portrait
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RIC 323 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.36g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 323 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Heritage Auction 232117, 28-29 April 2021, lot 65186. Formerly in NGC holder #5749336-008, grade VF.
An extremely rare denarius from the second issue of 85, struck before Domitian reformed the precious metal coinage once again by slightly lowering the silver fineness after raising it to nearly 100% in 82. This was also the first denarius issue produced after Domitian assumed the censorship (given right to conduct census), note the full spelling of the title in the reverse legend.David Atherton05/08/21 at 13:30Mat: Wonderful
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RIC 0604Domitian AR Denarius Struck 88 CE (Third Issue)
(20 mm, 2.96 g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head right
Rev: COS XIIII - LVD SAEC FEC, COS XIII across field Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC, all within Laurel wreath.
RIC 604, RSC 70, BMC 137
Ex: Luc Corso collection
EX: CGB France Purchased February 17, 2020
This is a nice example of a relatively common but interesting coin. The denarii of Domitian which feature Secular Games reverses are very popular coins. One reason is that the reverse of Domitian denarii are dominated by Minerva and many consider these coins repetitive and dull. I am not one of these people. I find looking for the small differences in some of these denarii is very interesting. I have located a number of overlooked rarities this way. I think it is important to remember that the many titles of Domitian that one sees on the denarii are not just random dates. They do in fact represent actual historical events such as victories won in the many battles Domitian had with his adversaries. While it is true that we may have no other record of these encounters, the shifting titles on the coins tell us that some kind of event happened that resulted in the rewarding of titles to Domitian.
As for this coin, it was very difficult to get an accurate photo. I, but has quite dark toning. The photo is not perfect but it is a fairly accurate representation of how the coin actually looks. There are still a few Secular Games denarii I am looking for. A few of these I have seen available, but a couple of others I have not seen for sale on the last 5 years. I would also like to find the Secular Games quinarius.orfew04/23/21 at 04:37Mat: Wonderful
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RIC 756 DomitianÆ As, 11.66g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: MONETA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 756 (C2). BMC 469. BNC 497.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.
This very common As features Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. H. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage. The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.
David Atherton04/15/21 at 12:14Mat: Handsome addition as usual
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RIC 753 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.28g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 753 (C). BMC 467. BNC 495.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.
This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarii in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.' The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.David Atherton04/15/21 at 12:13Mat: Love this, great patina
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RIC 0658Domitian (81-96). AR Denarius, 88-89.
( 19.00 mm. 3.39 g.)
Obv. Head right, laureate; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERM P M TR P VIII
Rev. Minerva standing right on rostral column, holding spear and shield; at feet, owl; IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS PP P
RIC 658. Lightly toned.
EX: Artemide Aste E-Live Auction 17, March 27, 2021 Lot 380
This unassuming denarius is quite a rarity in 2 regards. First, as an individual coin type this particular coin is extremely hard to find. Secondly, the detail that makes this coin rare is a rare occurrence for the denarii of Domitian. So, if you went looking for D658 you would not find many documented. As to why it is rare, you need look no further than the obverse legend. Note the use of DOMITIANVS instead of the common DOMIT found on the vast majority of Domitian denarii. Legend variations on the Minerva denarii for Domitian are very rare. Another one that comes to mind is GERMAN instead of GERM. Of course, there are a few others that are used instead of GERM but that is a topic for another post.
Many consider the Minerva denarii to be quite dull or even excruciatingly boring. However, if you look carefully there is enough variation to make things interesting. The problem is sifting through Minerva after Minerva looking for the exceptions. I like spending my time this way but others may be forgiven for not feeling the same. As a result, the variations are often overlooked by sellers and collectors alike. That is okay by me since it means I get to find some of these gems, but there really should be more collectors of these interesting coins. It is easy I suppose to become indifferent to all the intricacies of the multiple titles that Domitian held, but these titles are not some random letter and number combinations. Instead, they refer to life and death struggles, forgotten wars, and past triumphs. All of these involved humans who were born lived and died almost 2000 years ago. However dim that past may now seem, we share their humanity.orfew04/15/21 at 12:13Mat: Great find
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RIC 0408 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.06g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P · COS IIII; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 408 (R). BMC 626. BNC -. Hendin 1571.
Acquired from Calgary Coin, March 2021.
During Vespasian's reign the Rome mint produced sporadic issues of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronzes, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm tree representing Judaea on the obverse, and a Vexillum symbolising military victory on the reverse - straight and to the point! Ironically, despite their rarity today, more of the plebeian population would have seen these quadrantes than their more famous 'Judaea Capta' silver or bronze cousins. This specimen is remarkably well preserved for the denomination, perhaps it was lost soon after striking.
Missing from the Paris collection.David Atherton04/12/21 at 23:44Mat: Great palm & love the patina
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RPC 1949 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 11.99g
Antioch mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, LΓ (in right field); Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥΣ Γ ΙΕΡΟΥ; Eagle standing, l., on club; in field, palm branch
RPC 1949 (0 spec.). Prieur 115 (this coin).
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021. Ex Banias Hoard.
A most remarkable regnal year 3 Antiochene tetradrachm struck with an obverse die intended for an Alexandrian tetradrachm. The regnal year on the obverse combined with the Alexandrian legend and style is proof beyond doubt that this obverse die was intended for an Alexandrian billon tetradrachm, but how could this be? The RPC Antiochene groups 1-3 tetradrachms are all struck in 'Alexandrian' style. Many scholarly theories abound as to why: either the coins were struck at the Alexandria mint and then sent to Syria for circulation or, at the very least, the dies were engraved there. It's also possible (but unlikely) that Alexandrian mint workers were sent to Antioch to help set up the mint or bolster its production. This Alexandrian/Antiochene hybrid strongly hints that these Alexandrian style coins were indeed struck at Alexandria. In this case a die intended for a domestic tetradrachm somehow got mixed up with their Syrian work order. It must be said however that Antiochene silver is of a different composition than that used at Alexandria, so it is possible the dies were engraved in Alexandria and then shipped to the Antioch mint, in which case an Alexandrian die got mixed up with the shipment. Only two specimens have been recorded of this rare hybrid, surprisingly both are from different die pairs. This example is illustrated in Michel and Karin Prieur's type corpus The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms.
Is this coin the Rosetta Stone needed to solve the complicated questions surrounding the mintage of these Vespasianic tetradrachms? Perhaps, but I fear it raises more questions than answers. A fascinating coin nonetheless!David Atherton04/10/21 at 12:10Mat: Wow what a special coin, congrats
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Wooden Coin CabinetI just acquired this wooden coin cabinet lined with purple velvet from Florence, Italy. The workmanship is superb, rarely seen in today's run-of-the-mill products. It is fitting to have my ancient silver Greek coins stored in these trays. To slab, or not to slab: for me, it is out of the question to slab these miniature works of ancient art. Handling them with respect and care is more than enough.
I also published this photo (along with other photos) in Wikimedia Commons under the name Arkaio Nomisma. Anyone can download and use this photo for study and as illustration in their numismatic articles.Jason T03/31/21 at 22:57Mat: wonderful setup
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SOLD! Tiberius DrachmΤΙΒΕΡΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ
Laureate head of Tiberius to right.
ΘΕΟΥ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ ΥΙΟΣ
Mount Argaios surmounted by statue of Sol-Helios, radiate, holding globe in his right hand and long scepter with his left.
Cappadocia; Caesaraea-Eusebi
circa 17-32 CE
3.53g
RPC I 3620. BMC 11
Ex-Time Machine Mark E. Reid Ed. D.
A scarcer type. Heavy dark find patina, particularly on the reverse and rim, almost black in hand.Jay GT403/29/21 at 21:26Mat: Wow, amazing coin, love the toning and portrait
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064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 364Denarius
Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP SE.V PERT AVG COS II, Laureate head right
Rev:– BONA SPES, Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting skirt
Minted in Emesa. A.D. 194-195
Reference:– BMCRE 340. RIC 364 (S). RSC 55b
Double struck reverse
2.93 g. 18.00 mm. 0 degrees maridvnvm03/28/21 at 14:35Mat: Really cool error
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RPC II 2704 Domitian Æ drachmΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟΥ ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ
Laureate head right
LΙΔ? (year 14) in exergue
Domitian, raising hand and holding scepter and reins, driving biga of centaurs right; each of the centaurs holds a Nike and scepter
Alexandria Egypt; 94-95 CE
35mm; 25.72g
RPC II 2704; Dattari (Savio) 6726 (R2)
Ex-ANE; Ex-Munz Zentrum: Heinz W. Muller (Koln)
A rare type
Some encrustations remain while I consider further cleaningJay GT403/27/21 at 22:36Mat: Really cool, congrats
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009a2. OthoTetradrachm. 25.31mm, 12.40 g. 69 AD. Alexandria, Egypt.
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΜΑΡΚ ΟΘΩΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ, LΑ; laureate head of Otho, right. Rev: ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ; Eleutheria, standing looking left with wreath and sceptre. RPC I 5354.lawrence c03/16/21 at 14:28Mat: Your coin doesn't have the "Left Simplum", whi...
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Antony & the Caesar'sSince most of the 12 Caesar's were more closely related to Antony than to Augustus I thought it was appropriate to include Antony in my 12 Caesar's group shot. Individual coins can be seen in my galleries. While I have better portraits of some Emperor's I chose these for their interesting reverses and styles.
Clickable for a larger photo.Jay GT402/27/21 at 23:28Mat: Nice grouping, Jay.
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Persian Tarsos, Balakros. Satrap of CiliciaBaal of Tarsos seated left, holding lotus-tipped scepter, grain ear and grape bunch to left, ivy leaf to right B (Balakros) above, T below seat
Draped bust of Athena facing slihtly left, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet, single-pendant earring, and necklace
Tarsos, Cilicia
333-329 BCE
25.5mm; 10.72g
AR Stater
Casabornne Series 2; SNG Lenante supp. 21
EX- CNG e-Auction 485 lot 166Jay GT402/27/21 at 23:28Mat: Wow thats an insane cut, neat.
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RPC 2645 DomitianÆ Obol, 4.26g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Sphinx, r.
RPC 2645 (11 spec.). Emmett 326.11. Dattari-Savio 570.
Acquired from Athena, February 2021.
In Domitian's 11th regnal year at Alexandria the city's mint struck a most fascinating obol featuring the Great Sphinx of Giza on the reverse. The monolith of a mythical beast with a pharaoh's head and lion's body was carved out of solid limestone during the reign of pharaoh Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC) and sits on the west bank of the Nile in front of the Great Pyramid. During the Roman era the monument was a source of wonderment and awe. Pliny the Elder in the late first century wrote - 'In front of these pyramids is the Sphinx, a still more wondrous object of art, but one upon which silence has been observed, as it is looked upon as a divinity by the people of the neighbourhood. It is their belief that King Harmaïs was buried in it, and they will have it that it was brought there from a distance. The truth is, however, that it was hewn from the solid rock; and, from a feeling of veneration, the face of the monster is coloured red. The circumference of the head, measured round the forehead, is one hundred and two feet, the length of the feet being one hundred and forty-three, and the height, from the belly to the summit of the asp on the head, sixty-two.' A stela was erected by the people of the nearby village of Busiris during the reign of Nero and it commemorates the Sphinx being completely freed from the sand. At this time it served as a romantic backdrop to local theatrical performances.
This rare obol was struck in the early 90's soon after the Alexandrian mint was overhauled and new types were introduced. Traditional Sphinxes from Greek myth with a winged lion's body and woman's head had been depicted on coins before, but this is the first instance of the Great Sphinx being shown on any coin. The reclining position, lack of wings, and pharaoh's head leave no doubt that the Giza monolith is indeed what we see on the reverse. The Sphinx obol along with the Pharos hemidrachm serve as a sort of first century travelogue for the ancient traveller of what to see when visting Roman Egypt.David Atherton02/19/21 at 13:52Mat: Bad ass coin!
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5501A EGYPT, Alexandria Hadrian Tetradrachm 124-25 AD head of deityReference.
RPC III, 5501A Emmett--; Dattari-Savio Pl. 65, 7404a
Issue ƐΤ ƐΝΑΤ = year 9
Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹƐΒ
Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., seen from rear
Rev. ƐΤ ƐΝΑΤ
Head of deity, wearing wreath of ivy (?), r.
11.72 gr
27 mm
12hokidoki02/18/21 at 14:02Mat: Great looking coin
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RPC II 1673A DomitianusObv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC ΣEBACTOC ΓEPM, Laureate head right
Rev: ETO ΙΓ (across field), Bust of Amazon l., with long curls on neck; over shoulder, bipennis
AR/Didrachm (21.55 mm 5.915 g 6h) Struck in Rome (for Cappadocia) 93-94 AD
RPC II 1673A.1 (this coin), Metcalf unpublished
ex Savoca 95th Silver Auction lot 423FlaviusDomitianus02/18/21 at 12:26Mat: Suck a cool coin, congrats.
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12 Caesars in silver digital tray - updatedLimes01/24/21 at 23:41Mat: Wow, great set
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Vespasian Pegasus DenariusVespasian AR Denarius. Uncertain mint possibly Ephesus. AD 76.
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right, small O below neck truncation
R: COS VII, Pegasus standing to right with left foreleg raised.
- RIC 1473; BMCRE 482; RPC II 1451Nemonater12/31/20 at 20:02Mat: beautiful
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Titus Ceres DenariusSilver denarius, Rome mint, weight 3.1g, c. 24 Jun - mid July 79 A.D.
O: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right; reverse TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII
R: Ceres seated left, grain stalks and poppy head in extended right hand, flaming torch in left hand.
- RIC II 6 (R2, same reverse die), BnF III 1 (same rev. die), RSC II 270a, BMCRE II -, Hunter I -, SRCV I -, Only three sales of this type recorded on Coin Archives in the last two decades.
This type is from a very rare early issue of Titus as Augustus, not yet naming him P P (Pater Patriae - Father of the Country). Titus apparently accepted this title quite soon after the beginning of his ninth tribunician year on 1 July 79 and P P was quickly added to the end of the reverse legend.Nemonater12/31/20 at 20:01Mat: Very nice
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Antoninus Pius, Denarius, COS IIIIAR Denarius
Antoninus Pius
Caesar: 138AD
Augustus: 138 - 161AD
Issued: 145 - 161AD
18.0mm 3.00gr 6h
O: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP; Laureate head, right.
R: COS IIII; Thunderbolt on draped altar.
Rome Mint
RIC 137; RSC 345; Sear 4079; BMC 536.
JAZ Numismatics/John Zielinski Auction 172, Lot 7.
11/26/20 12/5/20Nicholas Z12/15/20 at 13:01Mat: Great portrait
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Provincial, Caesarea, Cappadocia, Drachm, MHTPO KAICAPI NεΩAR Drachm
Roman Provincial: Caesarea, Cappadocia
Septimius Severus
Augustus: 193 - 211AD
Issued: 208 - 209AD
18.0mm 3.39gr 11h
O: AY KAI Λ CεΠ CεΟΥΗΡΟC; Laureate head, right.
R: MHTPO KAICAPI NεΩ; Mt. Argaeus, surmounted by star.
Exergue: εΤΙς = RY16 = 208-209AD
Caesarea, Cappadocia Mint
Sydenham 401a var. (obv. and rev. legends).
Savoca Munich/Claudia Savoca 90th Blue, Lot 1019.
11/28/20 12/5/20Nicholas Z12/15/20 at 13:01Mat: Wonderful coin
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3113 CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea Hadrian Didrachm 128-38 AD ClubReference.
RPC III, 3113; Metcalf 101; Sydenham 282
Issue Hadrian Pater Patriae
Obv. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΟϹ
Laureate head of Hadrian, right
Rev. ΥΠΑΤΟϹ Γ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟϹ
Club, handle at top; in field, star to l. and crescent to right
7.09 gr
19 mm
12hokidoki11/29/20 at 23:11Mat: Nice portrait and coin all around
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RIC 0681 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESP AVG
Laureate head right
COS V
Laurel trees upright
Rome 74 CE
3.03g
RIC 681 (R)
Antiquarian type copying the denarius of OctavianJay GT411/18/20 at 21:15Mat: I've always liked this reverse type
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RIC 0777 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
PON MAX TR P COS VI
Victory standing left on prow, with wreath and palm
Rome 75 CE
2.97g
RIC 777 (C2)
Ex-Coin Cabinet
Listed as common but they have been difficult to find lately.Jay GT411/18/20 at 21:15Mat: Very nice addition
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RPC 2246 Titus as Caesar [Agrippa II]Æ27, 14.89g
Caesarea Paneas mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΤΙΤΟϹ - ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹΕΒΑϹ; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped and cuirassed, r.
Rev: ΕΤ ΔΙ-ΒΑ / ΑΓΡΙ-ΠΠΑ; Victory standing, r., holding wreath and palm
RPC 2246 (0 spec.). Hendin 1302.
Acquired from Zuzim, November 2020. Ex Fontanille Coins, Auction 95, May 2017, lot 7.
Agrippa II sporadically struck coinage for the Flavian dynasty throughout his long reign. The coins circulated within his kingdom (Northern Palestine) and were likely coined at Caesaera Panesa, although the mint is not certain (Hendin places it at Caesarea Maritima). Confusingly, Agrippa's mint(s) employed two different dating eras for his coinage - one starting in 56 and the second in 60 or 61. This middle bronze struck in the name of Titus Caesar is dated regnal year 14 by the second era and was produced in either 73 or 74 AD. Puzzling, according to this dating scheme, this is the only lifetime issue of the Cuirassed bust/Victory type struck for Titus Caesar, the bulk of his coinage being produced posthumously under Domitian! It's a fabulously rare coin with 0 specimens cited by RPC in the 'core' museum collections. Historical note: The siege of Masada in southern Judaea was conducted contemporaneously with this coin's production.
Stunning portrait with a beautiful sandy patina.David Atherton11/18/20 at 14:08Mat: Wonderful coin, love the obverse
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1399 Hadrian, Cistophorus Laodicea mint 128-132 AD Zeus standingReference.
RPC III, 1399; Pinder 48; RIC 497; Metcalf, Cistophori, type 56 pl 285; RSC 275
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Bare head right
Rev. COS III
Zeus Laodiceus standing left, holding eagle and scepter.
10.35 gr
32 mm
6h
Note.
Ex Seaby Glendining Auction 1, Dec. 1, 1927 lot 193 = Schulman , 5 March 1923 (Vierordt) lot 1290 = Helbing, 9 April 1913 lot 1140 = Egger 39 15 january 1912 lot 917 okidoki11/12/20 at 13:30Mat: Wonderful coin
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RPC II 1941 VespasianusObv: AVTOKPAT KAIΣΑ OVEΣΠΑΣIANOV, Laureate head of Vespasian right
Rev: ΦΛΑVI OVEΣΠ KAΙΣ ETOVΣ NEOV IEPOV B, Laureate head of Titus right
AR/Tetradrachm (25.63 mm 15.184 g 12h) Struck in Antiochia ad Orontem (Syria, Seleucis and Pieria) 69-70 A.D. (2nd group)
RPC 1941.5 (this coin), Prieur 107A, McAlee 329/1 (this coin)
Purchased from CGBFlaviusDomitianus11/12/20 at 12:49Mat: Great piece
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Licinius AE3, Jupiter AE 3
Licinius, 308-324 CE
Diameter: 20 mm, Weight: 3.28 grams, Die axis: 12h
Obverse: IMP LICINIVS AVG
Laureate consular bust to left, sceptre over left shoulder, mappa in right hand.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG
Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding sceptre in left hand and victory on globe in right hand, kneeling bound captive to left.
Mint: SMANT, A in right field: Antioch
References: RIC 27
Purchased from Gert Boersema 2020, Ex CNG 471, lot 656 (part of) 2020, Ex Giovanni Dattari collection (1858-1923).Pharsalos11/10/20 at 13:03Mat: Very nice piece
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5545 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Tetradrachm 124-25 AD Ares running?Reference.
RPC III, 5545; Dattari-Savio Pl. 67, 7437 (this coin illuustrated) and Pl. XXXXV (this rev. illustrated).; Emmett 862.9
Issue ΕΤ Θ = year 9
Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹƐΒ
Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., seen from rear
Rev. ΕΤ Θ
helmeted figure (Ares?), nude (?) running r., head turned backwards to l.
11.30 gr
24.8 mm
12hokidoki11/09/20 at 15:14Mat: Oh look, it's Oki running to the next Hadrian ...
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2967 Hadrian Denarius Antioch 117-30 AD Fortuna AntiochReference.
RIC, 2967; Strack *8
Bust B1 with Aegis
Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Laureate, cuirassed bust right, baldric strap over shoulder and across chest, with Aegis seen from front
Rev. PM TR POT ES COS III
Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia
3.25 gr
18 mm
6hokidoki11/09/20 at 12:33Mat: Nice find, with Aegis too
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RIC 0002 Domitian DenariusIMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
TR P COS VII
Dolphin coiled around anchor
Rome, September 13-December 31 81 CE
3.38g
RIC 2 (R)
Ex-Gatewest coins Winnipeg
Jay GT411/07/20 at 20:17Mat: Great portrait, nice addition
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RIC 0680 (V) Domitian denariusCAES AVG F DOMIT COS II
Laureate head of Domitian right
No legend
Domitian on horseback prancing left, right hand raised, holding human-headed (helmet) sceptre in left
Rome 73 CE
3.40g
RIC 680 Vespasian (C); Sear 2627
Ex-CNG eAuction 478 lot 395; Ex-Benito collection Ramon Saenz Heredia y Alonso
The reverse depicts Domitian participating in the Judaea Capta triumph of 71 A.D. He is, as Josephus described him, riding alongside in magnificent apparel and mounted on a horse that was itself a site worth seeing.Jay GT411/03/20 at 19:14Mat: Amazing coin, love the reverse
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RIC 0232 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.70g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: HONOS ET VIRTVS; S C in exergue; Honos stg. r. with sceptre and cornucopiae, and Virtus stg. l. with spear and parazonium
RIC 232 (R). BMC 530. BNC 484.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, October 2020.
Struck during Vespasian's massive bronze issue of 71, this HONOS ET VIRTVS reverse type copies one struck earlier by Galba. The occasion for resurrecting it may have been prompted by Vespasian's restoration of the temple of Honos and Virtus recently damaged during Nero's great fire. Very rare, only two reverse dies for the type were recorded by C. Kraay.
Dark brown toning with some cleaning marks.David Atherton11/02/20 at 22:10Mat: A fine addition
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RPC II 1673 DomitianusObv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC ΣEBACTOC ΓEPM, Laureate head right
Rev: ETO ΙΓ (across field), Athena standing right, holding owl snd spear
AR/Drachm (19.13 mm 3.069 g 6h) Struck in Rome (for Cappadocia) 93-94 AD
RPC II 1673, Metcalf 30
purchased from Marcantica on VCoinsFlaviusDomitianus10/27/20 at 18:05Mat: Handsome coin
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RPC II 1669 DomitianusObv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC ΣEBACTOC ΓEPM, Laureate head right
Rev: ETO ΙΓ (across field), Athena standing right, holding owl snd spear
AR/Didrachm (21.73 mm 6.601 g 6h) Struck in Rome (for Cappadocia) 93-94 AD
RPC II 1669.57 (this coin), Metcalf 23
purchased on eBay from Alex G. Malloy in 2003FlaviusDomitianus10/27/20 at 18:04Mat: Nice find
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RIC 0807 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Quinarius, 1.37g
Rome mint, 75(?) AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 807 (C). BMC 313. RSC 373. BNC 275.
Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., October 2020.
Vespasian's moneyer's struck a great issue of undated quinarii in 75, possibly in conjunction with the opening of his Temple of Peace. These tiny coins may have been distributed during special occasions. Two standard Victory types (seated or advancing) were employed along with various variant legend spellings and orientations. The variations are: obverse legend - VESPASIANVS or more commonly for Titus Caesar VESPASIAN; reverse legend - AVGVSTI or less commonly AVGVST. The reverse legend can also either be oriented from low r. or high l. Dating this undated issue is a little tricky. The quinarii struck before 75 have AVGVSTI in the reverse legend, while those struck after 75 use the shorter AVGVST. The undated issue employs both forms, therefore it fits neatly to 75. This Titus Caesar quinarius is one of the more common variants struck for him during the issue.
Superb portrait with good eye-appeal.
David Atherton10/27/20 at 03:06Mat: Very nice addition
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Nero / Hekate Philadelphia, Lydia
54-59 AD
(19mm, 4.99g)
O: Bare headed and draped bust right; NEPΩN ΣEBACTOC.
R: Hekate standing facing, wearing polos and holding two torches; TI NEIKANOP ΦIΛAΔEΛΦEΩN.
RPC 3041
"Torch-bearing Hekate holy daughter of great-bosomed Nyx."
~ Bacchylides, Fragment 1B
Enodia10/21/20 at 21:18Mat: Very nice
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1023 Hadrian Denarius Roma 129-30 AD IndulgentiaReference.
RIC 1023; RIC II, 213 ; C 853; Strack 325
Bust D1+/L
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Bare head, draped, and cuirassed bust viewed from front
Rev. INDVLGENTI-A AVG P P / in Ex.COS III
Indulgentia seated left, extending right hand and holding transverse scepter
3.47 gr
17 mm
6hokidoki10/21/20 at 21:17Mat: Love the portrait on it
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RPC 2728 DomitianÆ Drachm, 21.82g
Alexandria mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟΥ ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: Triumphal arch; date LΙΕ
RPC 2728 (9 spec.). Emmett 257.15. Dattari-Savio 544.
Acquired from Glenn Terry, eBay, October 2020.
This remarkable drachm struck at Alexandria during Domitian's final regnal year features a grandiose triple-span triumphal arch. The exact location of the structure is unknown. Some scholars have argued it represents a local Alexandrian arch (Price-Trell 1977, Vogt 1924, Handler 1971). F. Kleiner on the other hand convincingly proposes it to be a triumphal arch erected in Rome commemorating Domitian's victory over the Germanic Chatti. That it's a triumphal arch is fairly sound. The rooftop central figure of the emperor driving a triumphal quadriga pulled by six horses, flanked by twin trophies with defeated captives makes it fairly clear the arch was erected with a triumph in mind. The type first appeared on Alexandrian tetradrachms in 86, just a few years after the victory over the Chatti making a connection to that triumph very appealing. How accurate is the depiction? We simply do not know. Quite possibly the Alexandrian engravers based the composition on generic stock triumphal types, perhaps augmented by written descriptions, paintings, or sketches. The arch did not survive antiquity but is replicated on drachms of Trajan and Hadrian, likely repurposed for their own needs. The fact the structure was not pulled down and suffered damnatio memoriae, the fate of many Domitianic arches, is surprising. Luckily the coins survive to give us an idea of what this impressive monument may have looked like.
Fine style with fetching mottled olive green patina.David Atherton10/20/20 at 12:45Mat: Very nice, I like the portrait
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3087A CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea. Hadrian Didrachm Helios on Mt Argaeus StarReference.
RPC III, 3087A; Metcalf 92acfno star; Sydenham 263cf no star
Obv. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤΟС
Laureate head of Hadrian, right.
Rev. ΥΠΑΤΟС Γ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤ
Mt Argaeus surmounted by Helios standing left, holding globe in right, sceptre in left; in the field, star, left
6.50 gr
21 mm
12hokidoki10/18/20 at 15:21Mat: Looks to have some nice toning
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RIC 0362Divus Vespasian, AR Denarius. Rome, under Titus, 80-81.
(17.5 mm, 3.24 g, 4 h),
Obv: Laureate head of Divus Vespasian to right; DIVVS VESPASIANVS [AVGVSTVS]
Rev: Slow quadriga to right, with car in form of small temple; EX S C
RIC 362 (R2); BMC 117; RSC 147; Hendin 1585a
Ex: Nomos Obolos Auction 16 Lot 1127 Sunday October 11, 2020
orfew10/14/20 at 12:30Mat: Beautiful coin
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Parthian Kingdom, Orodes II, DrachmPARTHIAN KINGDOM. Orodes II (57-38 BC)
AR drachm, Ekbatana
Obv:: Diademed, draped bust of Orodes II left, wearing rounded beard, royal wart on brow, torque ends in hippocamp; star to left, crescent above star to right
Rev.: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ-ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ-ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ-ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ-ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ-ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ-ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ, Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow; TA monogram below bow, Trident anchor symbol behind throne.
AR, 19mm, 3.94g.
Ref.: Shore 260; Sellwood 48.8.
shanxi10/13/20 at 15:39Mat: Lovely example
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RIC 796 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 22.99g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P; Bust of Domitian, laureate, r., draped and cuirassed
Rev: S C in exergue; Triumphal arch, showing two archways, surmounted by two elephant quadrigae
RIC 796 (R2). BMC -. BNC 509.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, October 2020.
'He erected so many and such huge vaulted passage-ways and arches in the various regions of the city, adorned with chariots and triumphal emblems, that on one of them someone wrote in Greek: "enough!" '- Suetonius, Life of Domitian, 13.2.
Thus we begin with a pun. Some nameless wag scrawled ARCI on one of Domitian’s many arches, punning on the similarity between arcus (‘arch’) and the Greek arkei (‘enough’). Suetonius thought it clever enough to pass it along in his Life of Domitian. Domitian was a builder and he did indeed erect many arches throughout the city of Rome. This rare sestertius struck during Domitian's last year as emperor depicts one of them, but which one? The clue actually resides with another ancient author- Martial.
'Here where the dazzling temple of Fortuna Redux shines broadly, recently was till now an open space. Here Caesar stood, beautiful with the dust of northern war, pouring out purple radiance from his face. Here Rome, dressed in white and hair wreathed in laurel, greeted the leader with voice and hand. And other grand gifts testify to the merit of the place. A sacred arch standing exultant over subjected nations. Here twin chariots numbering many an elephant. Himself golden, he stands up to the immense yokes. A gate worthy of the emperor's triumphs. It is suitable to have these entrances to the city of Mars.' - Martial, 8.65.
Martial describes an arch erected by Domitian near the Temple of Fortuna Redux. The arch is topped by a pair of bigas pulled by elephants, which is exactly what the coin depicts. The coin shows a quadrifrontal arch seen from one of the corners, with two of the archways visible. Apparently it stood at a crossroads - the Via Flaminia and the Vicus Pallacinae being the prime candidates. Mary Beard in her book 'The Roman Triumph' conjectures the arch is a porta triumphalis. The triumph in question is unknown. Martial says Domitian has returned from a 'northern war', we do not know which one. It is tempting to speculate the arch was erected for one of Domitian's German triumphs, but the term 'northern war' could fit almost any of the numerous northern border conflicts that were waged in the late 80s and early 90s AD. Melanie Grunow Sobocinski plausibly speculates the arch could be connected to Domitian's January 93 triumph over the Sarmatians.
The elephant arch sestertii are extremely rare and were perhaps minted as presentation pieces, judging by their monumental nature and the fact they were part of a special issue of sestertii depicting several of Domitian's monuments (the imperial palace and Equus Maximus). Ian Carradice wrote of them 'All the coins of this special series lack reverse legends (they include only S C), and the sestertii are further distinguished by two exceptional portraits of Domitian, one with drapery representing a military cloak, and one in which the aegis reappears. The nature of the types, their style and their great rarity all suggest that these coins perhaps formed a special commemorative issue.' (Coinage and Finances in the Reign of Domitian, p. 123) The arch is long gone, but the coins still remain as a testament to Domitian's megalomania.
No specimens of the type are in the BM. The above coin is a double die match with the Paris specimen. A truly remarkable piece struck in very fine style!David Atherton10/13/20 at 15:39Mat: Wonderful find
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0790 Hadrian Denarius Roma 124-27 AD Neptune standingReference.
Strack 160; RIC II, 155c; C. 307; RIC 790
Bust A2
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate head with drapery
Rev. COS III
Neptune, stepping on prow right, holding trident and dolphin
3.37 gr
20 mm
6h
Note.
Philippe Rossignol collectionokidoki10/05/20 at 15:44Mat: Wonderful looking coin
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Cuirassed bust on an Antoninus Pius denariusAntoninus Pius. (138-161 AD). Silver denarius (3.54 gm). Rome, 159 AD.
Observe : ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, bust laureate, cuirassed right, seen from front, fold of cloak on left shoulder.
Reverse : VOTA SVSCEPTA DEC III around, COS IIII in exergue, Antoninus, togate and veiled, standing left, extending right hand over tripod altar.
Unpublished bust variety of BMCRE 958, RSC 1126b, and RIC 294b. Mint state. This elaborate bust type appeared on aurei of Marcus Aurelius Caesar in the same year, BMCRE 959, pl. 20.13, but is quite exceptional on a denarius.labienus09/29/20 at 13:50Mat: Wow, what a handsome coin, wonderful coin, congrat...
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020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC II 2447, Bi-Tetradrachm, LH, Laureate head of Titus right, #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, RPC II 2447, Bi-Tetradrachm, LH, Laureate head of Titus right, #1
avers: AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY, Laureate head of Vespasianus right, LH.
reverse: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΤΙΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ, Laureate head of Titus right.
exergue: -/LH//--, diameter: 22,0-23,0mm, weight: 10,82g, axis: 0h,
mint: City: Alexandria, Region: Egypt, Province: Egypt,
date: Year (LH) 8 = 75-76 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 2447, Geissen-303-304, Dattari-347-349, Kapmann-Ganschow-20.53-p-70, Milne- ,
Q-001quadrans09/26/20 at 22:17Mat: Wonderful coin
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S.5487 James VI30 Shillings of James VI, king of Scotland 1567-1625
Mint: Unknown (probably Edinburgh)
Fourth coinage
1582
Before ascension to English throne
S. 5487
O: +IACOBVS 6 DEI GRATIA REX SCOTORVM
R: HONOR REGIS IVDICIVM DILIGIT 1582 I R XXX S
A large silver coin depicting the teenage James VI, holding a sword and wearing armor.
Ex- DNW 16 Sep 2020 (lot 74), M.Gietzelt, SpinkSt. George's Collection09/24/20 at 01:42Mat: A beauty
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RPC - Egypt, Alexandria, Antoninus Pius, RPC IV.4, 13895-9 - Plate CoinAntoninus Pius
Egypt, Alexandria
Billon Tetradrachm
Year ΚΑ = 21 (AD 157/8)
Obv: ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟ(Ϲ) ϹƐΒ(Α) ƐVϹƐΒ(Η), laureate head of Antoninus Pius with traces of drapery, right
Rev. L KA, draped bust of Alexandria wearing cap in form of elephant's head, r.
Billon, 23 mm., 13,38 g
Ref.: RPC IV.4, 13895-9 (temporary) = this coin
shanxi09/19/20 at 14:42Mat: Wow, wonderful coin, especially the reverse.
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035p Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, G-1459, D-2344, AR-Tetradrachm, L/H//--, Draped bust of Serapis right, #1035p Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), Egypt, Alexandria, G-1459, D-2344, AR-Tetradrachm, L/H//--, Draped bust of Serapis right, #1
avers: ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC CЄB, Laureate head right.
reverse: L-H, Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos.
exergue: L/H//--, diameter: 22,5mm, weight: 12,40g, axis: 0h,
mint: Egypt, Alexandria, date: L-H, Year=8, 144-145 A.D.,
ref: Geissen-1459, Dattari-2344, Kapmann-Ganschow-35.232, Milne-1776, RPC IV.4 (online) -13528,
Q-001quadrans08/19/20 at 20:04Mat: Wonderful example
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3052 Hadrian Denarius 117-30 AD Mars Eastern mintReference.
RIC, 3052; Strack *13
Bust D2+
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Bare head, draped and cuirassed bust viewed from side
Rev. COS III
Mars advancing right, holding spear and shouldering trophy, with floating drapery tied around waist
2.81 gr
20 mm
6h okidoki08/17/20 at 15:35Mat: Sweet addition
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