| Last comments - Sam |
Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.Silver denarius, Crawford 452/2, Sydenham 1009, BMCRR 3955, RSC I 18, Sear CRI 11, SRCV I 1400, NGC F, strike 4/5, surface 2/5, brushed, bankers marks, edge chip (5772013-001), weight 3.74g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 48 B.C.; obverse female (Clementia?) head right, wearing oak wreath, necklace, jewel before ear, and cruciform earring, hair in jeweled knot behind with falling locks, LII (52) behind; reverse CAE-SAR flanking the base of a draped trophy of Gallic arms (shield decorated with fulmen, horned helmet, and carnyx), axe topped by wolf head on right; struck by a military mint moving with Caesar.
The numeral on the obverse indicates Caesar's age when this coin was minted, a unique occurrence in Roman numismatics.
FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam02/17/21 at 19:48Sam: Thank you all for the nice words, you all made my ...
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Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue. Tarsos Mint, Struck Between 333 - 327 B.C. Silver Tetradrachm, Price 2995, Müller 1293, Newell Tarsos 6, Demanhur 2045 - 2061, SNG Saroglos 505, SNG Cop 774, SNG München 692, SNG Alpha Bank -, VF, high relief, a little rough, porosity on reverse, 16.663g, 24.1mm, die ax., 45o, Tarsos mint, c. 333 - 327 B.C..
Obverse : head of Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck.
Reverse : Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on throne without back, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, right leg forward (archaic lifetime style), feet on footstool, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, AΛEΞAN∆POY , ( " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ) , 4 pellets under seat above strut over A below strut.
Lifetime issue. Alexander the Great passed through Tarsos, Cilicia, with his armies in 333 B.C. Darius' confidence increased, because Alexander spent so much time there, which he imputed to cowardice. In truth, Alexander had fallen seriously ill after bathing in the exceedingly cold river Cydnus. No physician would treat him, they thought his case so desperate, and his recovery unlikely. They feared the punishment for failure. Finally, Philip, the Acarnanian, relying on his own well-known friendship for Alexander, resolved to try. At this very time, Alexander received a letter, warning him that Philip had been bribed by Darius to kill him, with great sums of money, and a promise of his daughter in marriage. After Alexander read the letter, he put it under his pillow, without showing it to anyone. When Philip came in with the potion, Alexander drank it with great cheerfulness and assurance, at the same time giving Philip the letter to read. Alexander's looks were cheerful and open, to show his kindness to and confidence in his physician, while Philip was full of surprise and alarm at the accusation, appealing to the gods to witness his innocence, sometimes lifting up his hands to heaven, and then throwing himself down by the bedside, and beseeching Alexander to lay aside all fear, and follow his directions without apprehension. The medicine worked so strongly at first that at first Alexander lost his speech, and falling into a swoon, had scarce any sense or pulse left. However, after a short time, his health and strength returned, and he showed himself in public to the Macedonians, who had been in continual fear until they saw him again.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/16/18 at 21:48Sam: Thank you dear friends.
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Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue. Ionia, Miletos mint.Silver Drachm, Müller Alexander 763; SNG Cop 895; SNG Alpha Bank 629; SNG Saroglos 771; SNG München - ; Price 2090, Choice good Very Fine , as found Superb Fine Style, toned, centered, bumps and marks, Ionia, Miletos mint, weight 4.004g, maximum diameter 18.0mm, die axis 0o, struck between 325 - 323 B.C.,.
Obverse ; head of Alexander the Great as Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck.
Reverse ; AΛEΞAN∆POY ( means " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ), Zeus seated left on throne without back, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, feet on footstool, right leg forward, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter topped with lotus vertical behind in left hand, ∆H monogram left.
*Lifetime issue. This coin was issued during the lifetime and rule of Alexander the Great. Most Alexander coins were issued after his death.
*Alexander the great believed if the world ruled by one king or leader , will be better for all.
Alexander the great was considered a god after his death.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/16/18 at 21:48Sam: Thank you, Canaan, those are old coins, I am just ...
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Manus Dei, Divus Constantine I , The great.Divus Constantine I. Died AD 337. Æ (15mm, 1.73 g, 5h). Antioch mint, Struck AD 337-340. Veiled, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Constantine, veiled, in quadriga right; above, the hand of God reaches down to him; SMANI. RIC VIII 39; Good EF, lovely red earthen deposits.
The Coin is one of the earliest to have Christian objects or sign, but not fully Christian yet.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection./ Dear friend Salem Alshdaifat.
Everyone needs the hand of Love, no matter how powerful one is, that thing which comes free, and yet is the most valuable and wonderful thing in existence that money cannot buy. Love is everything, anything else is nothing.
Happy Easter.
Sam03/29/18 at 12:49Sam: Thank you Jay , it is always an honor. Happy Easte...
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Macedonian Kingdom, Antigonos I Monophthalmos, 320 - 306 B.C., In the Name and Types of Alexander the Great.Silver drachm, Hersh 29, Hersh Near East 2.1d, Price -, Müller Alexander -, SNG Cop -, SNG Munchen -, SNG Alpha Bank -, NGC Choice XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5 (2490379-006), 4.000g, 18.2mm, 0o, Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum mint, struck under Menander, c. 325 - 323 B.C.; obverse head of Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on throne without back, nude to waist, himation around hips and legs, right leg drawn back, feet on footstool, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, head of ram left on left, AΛEΞAN∆POY, ( " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ) downward on right; very rare.
Antigonos I Monophthalmos ("the One-eyed") (382 B.C. - 301 B.C.) was a nobleman, general, and governor under Alexander the Great. Upon Alexander's death in 323 B.C., he established himself as one of the successors and declared himself King in 306 B.C. The most powerful satraps of the empire, Cassander, Seleucus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus, answered by also proclaiming themselves kings. Antigonus found himself at war with all four, largely because his territory shared borders with all of them. He died in battle at Ipsus in 301 B.C. Antigonus' kingdom was divided up, with Seleucus I Nicator gaining the most. His son, Demetrius I Poliorcetes, took Macedon, which the family held, off and on, until it was conquered by Rome in 168 B.C. -- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*A special Thank to president Joe Sermarini for his work for complete information on this very rare Drachm.Sam03/14/18 at 20:13Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay.
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Roman Empire, Nero & Claudius, drachmNERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERMA
Laureate head of Nero right
DIVOS CLAVD AVGVST GERMANIC PATER AVG
Laureate head of Divus Claudius right.
Caesarea, Cappadocia
63-64 AD
2.95g
RPC I 3648; RIC 622.
From the collection of K.M. Germany. Ex-Roma E-sale 43 lot 334Jay GT403/11/18 at 01:48Sam: Superb.
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Sicily, Syracuse AR Litra ΣYPA
Diademed head of Arethusa right.
Octopus.
0.65 g
c. 466-460 BC. Second Democracy
Boehringer 421; SNG ANS 131.
Ex-ANEJay GT403/10/18 at 17:10Sam: Superb addition ! Fantastic and Artistic Portrait.
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Caligula RIC 0016SH86638. Silver denarius, RIC I 16 (R2, Rome), RSC I 2, Lyon 167, BnF II 21, BMCRE I 17, cf. SRCV I 1807 (aureus), VF, toned, attractive portraits, bumps and marks, some pitting, lamination defects, ex jewelry, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, weight 3.443g, maximum diameter 18.2mm, die axis 180o, 2nd emission, 37 - 38 A.D.; obverse C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT (counterclockwise from lower right), laureate head of Caligula right; reverse DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE (counterclockwise from lower right), radiate head of Divus Augustus right; ex Classical Numismatic Group, e-auction 69 (23 July 2003), lot 90
Ex: Forum Ancient coins, March 2, 2018.
This is my second denarius of Gaius. I was extremely happy to get this one. I know the surfaces are a bit rough, but it is still a VF example of a rare coin. Denarii of Caligula do not show up for sale very often outside of large auction houses. When they do appear they are often very expensive. I waited for about 2 1/2 years for a coin like this to show up. As soon as it did I bought it.
I want to share a quick word about where I bought this coin. It was a purchase from Forum Ancient Coins. Coins are guaranteed authentic for eternity, and the service is second to none. Forum is also an incredible source of information concerning ancient coins. If you have a question about ancient coins, chances are that question has been asked and answered on Forum Ancient Coins. Many experts frequent this site and they are always willing to share their expertise.
Anyone trying to assemble a set of the 12 Caesars in silver will need to find a denarius of Gaius. His is one of the most difficult to add along with denarii of Claudius and Otho. It has also been suggested by some that it is the fault of 12 Caesars collectors that drives the prices so high. While true that there is a lot of competition for these coins when they appear, it is also true that there are alternatives to the denarii of Gaius. One popular choice is the Vesta As. These are quite common and can be had in nice condition for reasonable prices.
On the obverse we have the typical portrait of Gaius, while on the reverse we see a portrait of his great grandfather Augustus. Augustus is depicted as a Divus or god. The reverse legend "Pater Patriae" refers to Augustus as the father of the country. One reason Augustus was on the reverse was to remind the people of Rome of their emperor's connection to the Julio-Claudian ruling dynasty.
Why are denarii of Gaius so scarce? One explanation is has to do with Gresham's law or bad money drives out good money. The theory is that the monetary reforms of Nero, which debased to coinage in both weight and fineness, caused people to hoard the older more valuable coins of emperors like Caligula and Claudius. The problem with this explanation is that there are plenty of "tribute penny" denarii of Tiberius. The other possibility is that perhaps smaller numbers of Gaius' denarii were originally minted. Maybe there was already enough silver coinage circulating and therefore fewer were needed. Whatever the real reason, we are unlikely to ever get a satisfactory answer.
orfew03/03/18 at 06:02Sam: Superb addition , from a great EX.
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IONIA, Miletos (Miletus). Circa 360-325 BC. AR DrachmAR Drachm ( 3.45 Gr )
Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion standing left, head right; star above, MI (civic) monogram to left, magistrate name exergue.
Ch EF , Superb Style.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam03/03/18 at 00:37Sam: 
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Nero with Divus ClaudiusNERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERMA
Laureate head of Nero right
DIVOS CLAVD AVGVST GERMANIC PATER AVG
Laureate head of Divus Claudius right.
Caesarea, Cappadocia
63-64 AD
2.95g
RPC I 3648; RIC 622.
From the collection of K.M. Germany. Ex-Roma E-sale 43 lot 334
Nicely centered drachm with double portraits of Claudius and Nero and full Latin legends.Jay GT402/28/18 at 18:23Sam: Superb coin.
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RIC 0507 Domitian denariius SOLDIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI
Laureate head right
IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P
Minerva standing on capital of rostral colum, with spear and shield; to right owl
Rome mint
January 1- September 13, 87 AD
3.46g
RIC 507 (C)
Ex-Calgary Coin
Sold Torex November 2022Jay GT402/24/18 at 17:04Sam: Superb.
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Byzantine, Anonymous (Magn.) AE Tetarteron – SBCV-2154 DOC IV 6 Type D OBV Cross radiate, with lunate ornaments, decorated with pellets , at ends.
REV Half length figure of Virgin, nimbate, orans wearing tunic.
Size 20mm
Weight 2.61gm
DOC lists 4 examples. weight vary 1.32gm to 2.52gm and 19 to 22mm Simon02/23/18 at 22:41Sam: Congratulations !
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ARAB-BYZANTINE, Umayyad Caliphate. Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan. AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. or 661-697 A.D.Obverse :
KAΛON “bi-hims” بØمص
Facing bust of Byzantine emperor, holding globus cruciger; to left, KAΛON; to right, “bi-hims” in Arabic and bird’s-eye.
Reverse:
Є/M/I С/H/С - Large M
Large m; star flanked by bird’s eyes above; ground line below; Є/M/I С/H/С to left and right; “tayyib” طيب in Arabic above “dumbell” flanked by pellets in exergue.
Attribution: Sica I 538 / Walker 65v / Arab Byzantine 65; Album 110
Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan was the first Umayyad caliph , from AH 41-60 (died) / AD 661-680
From the Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam02/22/18 at 10:36Sam: Thank you dear Cannan , I hope soon you find a bet...
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Philip I. AD 244-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.12 g, 6h). Commemorating the Secular Games/1000th Anniversary of Rome. Rome mint, 2nd officina. 9th emission, AD 248. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / She-wolf left, suckling twins Remus and Romulus; II in exergue. RIC IV 15; RSC 178. gVF, toned, some verdigris. Sam02/22/18 at 10:35Sam: Thank you Senior
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Roman, Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.SH45450. Silver denarius, Crawford 480/13, Sydenham 1074, Sear CRI 107d, RSC I Julius Caesar 39, BMCRR I Rome 4173, SRCV I 1414, Vagi 56, Choice gVF, magnificent portrait, weight 3.660 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 225o, Rome mint, moneyer P Sepullius Macer, Feb - Mar 44 B.C.; obverse CAESAR DICT PERPETVO, veiled and wreathed head of Caesar right; reverse P SEPVLLIVS MACER, Venus standing left, Victory in extended right, long scepter in left hand, shield at feet rightJoe Sermarini02/22/18 at 10:21Sam: WoW ! Superb addition .
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Leo VI the Wise. 886-912. Æ 40 Nummi , Follis Constantinople mint. + LЄOn ЬAS ILЄVS ROm’, crowned half-length bust facing, holding akakia / +LЄOn/Єn ӨЄO ЬA/SILЄVS R/OmЄOn in four lines. a EF.Sam02/19/18 at 12:38Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...
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Philip I. AD 244-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.12 g, 6h). Commemorating the Secular Games/1000th Anniversary of Rome. Rome mint, 2nd officina. 9th emission, AD 248. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / She-wolf left, suckling twins Remus and Romulus; II in exergue. RIC IV 15; RSC 178. gVF, toned, some verdigris. Sam02/17/18 at 00:02Sam: Thank you dear friend Marsman.
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Crawford 397/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Spinther AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Pub. Lentulus P.f.L.n. Spinther, 71 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm).
Rome Mint
Obv: Q●S●C; Hercules head right.
Rev: P●LENT●P●F / [L]●N; Genius Romani seated facing on chair, holding coruncopia and scepter, being crowned by Victory.
References: Crawford 397/1; Sydenham 791(R6); BMCRR 3329.
Provenance: ex Collection of a Director [Triton XX (10 Jan 2017) Lot 525; ex Eton College Collection [Sotheby's (1 Dec 1976) Lot 219).
In my humble opinion, this is one of the more artistic reverse types of the Roman Republic denarius series – almost Greek in execution. It depicts Genius of the Roman People exerting dominance over the world with one foot on the globe while being crowned victorious. The message may be related to the ongoing wars with Sertorius in Spain, Mithridates in the East and possibly the servile revolt led by Spartacus in Italy (if the 71BC date proposed by Hersh and Walker is accepted, see below). Other members of the Cornelia gens also depicted Genius of the Roman People on their coinages, so the cult of Genius may have been important to the family, or it may be coincidental that the Corneliae happened to strike these coins during strife when the message of the Genius of the Roman People would have been appropriate. Crawford agrees with the latter explanation. SC [Senatus consulto] in the obverse legend suggests it was struck by special decree of the Roman Senate.
The coin is scarce and missing from many major hoards, making it difficult to precisely date. In fact, it’s listed in only four hoards on Table XIII in Crawford’s Roman Republican Coin Hoards. Of those four hoards: in two hoards (Cosa and Palestrina), it’s deemed the final issue (terminus ante quem), lacking the context of later coins; in the third hoard (Tolfa), it’s the next to last issue with the last being a serrate denarius of Q. Creperei Rocus, which Crawford dates to 72BC; and in the fourth hoard (San Gregorio), it appears in the middle context in which Rocus is again the next latest coin. Crawford’s Roman Republican Coinage dates the coin 74BC, concurring with Grueber’s dating in the British Museum Catalogue. David Sear stuck with Crawford’s dating of 74BC in the Millennium Edition of Roman Coins and Their Values. However, in their 1984 analysis of the Mesagne Hoard (which contained no examples of this coin), Hersh and Walker revised the dating to 71BC, which lumps the Spinther issue with several other, non-serrate, “SC” issues of the late 70s. Hersh and Walker re-date the serrate Rocus issue to 69BC, where it is lumped with other serrate issues. In my collection catalogue, I’ve chosen to use the 71BC date proposed by Hersh and Walker, because it fits neatly with the fabric and special circumstances of the coinage and is consistent with the cursus honorum dates discussed in the following paragraph.
The moneyer was the Quaestor, P. Cornelius Lentulus, whose nickname was Spinther (reportedly because he resembled an actor by that name). It was a nickname that he clearly liked as both he and his son later used it on coins. Spinther, an aristocrat of the Cornelia gens, was liked by Julius Caesar and rose through the cursus honorum, beginning with his Quaestorship when this coin was struck. He was elected Aedile in 63BC and worked with Cicero in suppressing the Cataline conspiracy. The date of his Aedileship is important in that 6-8 years was the required waiting period between Quaestor and Aedile in the cursus honorum, the career path for a Roman politician, which is consistent with Hersh and Walker’s proposed dating of this coin issue to 71BC; Crawford’s dating of 74BC implied that Spinther failed to reach the Aedileship for several years after he qualified for the position (being elected in the first qualification year was an important distinction to the Romans, though certainly an accomplishment that many Roman aristocrats failed to attain). He was later governor of part of Spain. With Caesar’s help, he was elected consul in 57BC, when he recalled Cicero from exile. Thereafter he governed Cilicia, at which time Cicero wrote him a still-surviving letter. As relations deteriorated between Caesar and Pompey, Spinther sided with Pompey. Despite initial offers of amnesty by Caesar, Spinther would not remain neutral and was eventually killed or committed suicide during the civil wars. His son later allied with Caesar’s assassins and struck the well-known LENTVLVS SPINT coins for both Brutus and Cassius.
This example comes from the Eton College Collection, which was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1976. Eton College initiated its ancient coin collection by acquiring a large group of British Museum duplicates in the 1870s, and Eton added to this collection in the ensuing years. By the mid-1970s, the ancient coin market was white-hot, and Eton decided to cash-out the lion’s share of its collection, keeping a representative core for study purposes. I’ve contacted the British Museum’s Department of Coins and Medals to link this coin to the original tranche of BM duplicates purchased by Eton. Unfortunately, before adoption of modern curatorial standards, the BM did not accession duplicates into the BM collection; rather, they simply put duplicates into the “duplicates cabinet” without cataloging them. These uncatalogued duplicates would be sold or traded from time to time to acquire needed specimens for the BM collection. There might be record of the transaction somewhere at the BM, but there would be no description of the duplicates sold. By 1980 or so, the BM began cataloguing all coins, even duplicates. There is an 1880s book published about Eton's Roman coin collection, but it describes only a representative sample of the collection and this coin is not included.
Carausius02/16/18 at 19:11Sam: WoW ! Superb addition .
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Crawford 29/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR Didrachm - QuadrigatusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 225-214 BCE
AR Didrachm/Quadrigatus (6.91g; 22mm).
Obv: Janiform head.
Rev: Jupiter and Victory in quadriga galloping right; beneath, ROMA in relief on raised tablet.
Reference: Crawford 29/3; Sydenham 64d
Provenance: ex Numismatik Lanz 163 (7 Dec 2016), Lot 154; Gorny & Mosch 69 (1994), Lot 493.
The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-214 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.
This example is from the Crawford 29 series, recognizable by the "V" neck truncation on the Janiform head, and the ROMA inscription in relief on a trapezoidal tablet. Crawford also recognized an incuse variety of this series, again with a fully-trapezoidal tablet. Crawford 29 series flans are generally well made.
Carausius02/16/18 at 19:09Sam: WoW ! What a gorgeous coin !
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Byzantine Empire, Constans II, September 641 - 15 July 668 A.D.Gold solidus, DOC II-2 Heraclonas 1c (not in the coll., refs. T.), Hahn MIB 3a, Tolstoi 13, Sommer 12.1, SBCV 936, Wroth BMC -, Morrison BnF -; Ratto -, VF, well centered, double strike, some legend weak, light scratches and bumps, 8th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, weight 4.479g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, Sep 641 - 642/644 A.D.; obverse d N CONSTANTINYS P P AVG, crowned and cuirassed beardless bust facing, small head, wearing chlamys, crown ornamented with cross on circlet, globus cruciger in right hand; reverse VICTORIA AVGY H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue.
FORVM / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
In 641, when Heraclius died, he was succeeded by his sons Constantine III and Heracleonas. When Constantine III died after only a few months, the Byzantine people suspected that Heracleonas had poisoned him. Heracleonas was deposed, mutilated and banished. Constans II, the son of Constantine III, became emperor. This type is attributed to Heraclonas in DOC II-2 and Morrison BnF but today it is accepted as the first issue of Constantine II.
Sam02/16/18 at 00:02Sam: Nice one , I say.
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Byzantine Empire, Constans II, September 641 - 15 July 668 A.D.Gold solidus, DOC II-2 Heraclonas 1c (not in the coll., refs. T.), Hahn MIB 3a, Tolstoi 13, Sommer 12.1, SBCV 936, Wroth BMC -, Morrison BnF -; Ratto -, VF, well centered, double strike, some legend weak, light scratches and bumps, 8th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, weight 4.479g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, Sep 641 - 642/644 A.D.; obverse d N CONSTANTINYS P P AVG, crowned and cuirassed beardless bust facing, small head, wearing chlamys, crown ornamented with cross on circlet, globus cruciger in right hand; reverse VICTORIA AVGY H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue.
FORVM / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
In 641, when Heraclius died, he was succeeded by his sons Constantine III and Heracleonas. When Constantine III died after only a few months, the Byzantine people suspected that Heracleonas had poisoned him. Heracleonas was deposed, mutilated and banished. Constans II, the son of Constantine III, became emperor. This type is attributed to Heraclonas in DOC II-2 and Morrison BnF but today it is accepted as the first issue of Constantine II.
Sam02/15/18 at 23:00Sam: Come on , you got bunch both of you
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Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138.Æ As (24 mm, 9.76 gr). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian.
Bare head right / Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting skirt of dress.VG, brown patina.
Sam02/11/18 at 21:35Sam: Man you are fast
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Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; ЄSIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.Sam02/01/18 at 00:01Sam: Thank you dear friend Alex , it is always a pleasu...
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SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Elagabalus , AD 218-222.Radiate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S • C, Δ Є above, eagle below; all within laurel wreath fastened at top with star.
VF, earthen patina.
5.37 Gr.Sam02/01/18 at 00:00Sam: Thank you dear friend Canaan.
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Struck A.D.336 under Constantine I. AE3/4 "CONSTANTINOPOLIS" COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE of ArelateObverse: CONSTANTINOPOLIS. Laureate and helmeted bust of Constantinopolis wearing imperial mantle facing left and holding sceptre over left shoulder.
Reverse: No legend. Victory standing facing left, right foot on prow, holding sceptre and plain shield; in left field, Chi-Rho; in exergue, SCONST.
Diameter: 16mm | Weight: 2.3gms
RIC VII : 401
VERY RARE
This is one of the few coins with a Chi-Rho that was actually minted during Constantine's lifetime.*Alex01/29/18 at 23:42Sam: WoW ! this is rarity .
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Struck A.D.312. CONSTANTINE I as Augustus. AE Follis of NicomediaObverse: IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG. Laureate head of Constantine facing right.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO. Sol, fully dressed in long robe, standing facing left, right hand raised and holding head of Serapis in left; in left field, A; in right field, crescent; in exergue, SMN.
RIC VI : 73c
SCARCE*Alex01/29/18 at 23:41Sam: Superb reverse.
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SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Laodicea ad Mare. Antoninus Pius. 138-161. Æ 25mm (11.53 Gr).
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right .
Banker's mark . gF, dark patina.
Sam01/24/18 at 17:40Sam: Exactly Jay, I have seen one banker ‘s mark like t...
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Bruttium UnciaLaureate and bearded head of Zeus right.
BPET-TIΩN
Eagle standing left with open wings; at left cornucopiae, above double-axe.
214-211 BC
7.69g
HN Italy 1978
Ebay, From the Tony Hardy collection #999
Jay GT401/22/18 at 14:50Sam: Fantastic eagle.
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam01/22/18 at 12:14Sam: Thank you , Enodia my dear friend.
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Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; ЄSIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.Sam01/21/18 at 23:17Sam: Thank you dear friend Randy , it is always a pleas...
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Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; ЄSIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.Sam01/21/18 at 22:16Sam: Thank you Jay , it is always an honor.
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Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.
From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam01/21/18 at 14:00Sam: Thank you dear friend Peter , it is always a pleas...
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC IV 250b; RSC III 501b; BMCRE VI p. 201, 875; Hunter III 74; SRCV II 7922, Choice EF, excellent portrait, superb reverse detail, small edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 2.841g, maximum diameter 20.0mm, die axis 160o, 231 - 235 A.D.; obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder; reverse PROVIDENTIA AVG (the foresight of the Emperor), Providentia (or Annona) standing left, grain downward in right hand over modius overflowing with grain at feet on left, cornucopia in left hand.
Annona was the goddess of harvest and her main attribute is grain. When Severus Alexander was away on his Persian and German campaigns (231-235) he continuously struck Annona types. With the legend PROVIDENTIA AVG, "The Foresight of the Emperor," he assured that, though he was away, he would be carefully monitoring Rome's grain supply!
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam01/18/18 at 14:32Sam: Thank you dear friends Alex and Canaan. I am glad ...
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Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia (or Annona) standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius to left. RIC IV 250; BMCRE 875-8; RSC 501b. Choice EF.
FORVM Ancient Coins / Dr. Allan Smith Collection./CNG.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Best of the Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-143230Sam01/18/18 at 13:01Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , you never missed one. ...
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. (Æ 20) Obol.EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Obol (max 21.5 mm, 3.8 gr ).
Obverse : Laureate head right.
Reverse : Canopic jar (Canopus of Osiris) with crowned ram head , L B (date) before.
Dated year 2 (AD 68/9)
Ref: BMC 16. 24, 204 RPC I 5352. aVF, Chocolate patina. Very rare.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam01/17/18 at 23:57Sam: Thank you dear friend Oki , it is always a pleasur...
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Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.
From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam01/17/18 at 23:57Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...
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Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia (or Annona) standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius to left. RIC IV 250; BMCRE 875-8; RSC 501b. Choice EF.
FORVM Ancient Coins / Dr. Allan Smith Collection./CNG.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Best of the Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-143230Sam01/17/18 at 23:56Sam: Thank you dear friends quadrans and Quant. Highly ...
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Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC IV 120, RSC III 440, BMCRE VI 930, Hunter III 66, SRCV II 7915, Superb EF, excellent portrait, fantastic Sol, perfect centering, a couple small encrustations on the obverse, tiny edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 3.056g, maximum diameter 20.2mm, die axis 180o, 233 A.D.; obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Sol standing left, radiate, nude but for cloak on shoulders billowing behind, raising right commanding the sun to rise, whip vertical behind in left.
Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. In 274 the Roman emperor Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. The god was favored by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine. The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them. It is commonly claimed that the date of 25 December for Christmas was selected in order to correspond with the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."
FORVM Ancient Coins / From The Sam Mansourati CollectionSam01/01/18 at 12:43Sam: Thank you dear friends Callimachus and Jay. Always...
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Hadrian Dupondius 117 AD ConcordiaReference.
RIC 538b; C. 260; BMC 1107; Strack 502
Obv. IMP CAES DIVI TRAIAN AVG F TRAIAN HADRIAN OPT AVG GER
Radiate, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, baldric strap over shoulder and across chest, seen from front
Rev. DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS P P S C
Concordia enthroned facing left, holding patera in right hand, left elbow resting on small statue of Spes on small column, cornucopiae below throne.
12.31gr
28 mm
12h
Note.
CNG Sale 11/09.
From the Estate Collection of Dr. Richard Dotyokidoki12/30/17 at 19:38Sam: Really nice .
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Macrinus Bi-Tetradrachm, Arados mintObverse description: Laureate head of Macrinus on the right, seen from three quarters in front, one of the two ribbons of the laureate crown descending on the shoulder.
Obverse Legend : AU KAI. M.A OP SE. MAKRINOS, (Autokratoros Kaisaros Markos Opellios Seuhros Makrinos Sebastos).
Reverse description : Eagle standing on the left, wings outstretched, head and tail turned right, wreath in the beak; between the legs of the eagle, a head of bull turned to the right.
Reverse legend: DHMARC EX UPATOSTA.
References: Prieur: 1243.
12,57g, 24mm.Canaan12/30/17 at 19:37Sam: Really nice .
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Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC IV 120, RSC III 440, BMCRE VI 930, Hunter III 66, SRCV II 7915, Superb EF, excellent portrait, fantastic Sol, perfect centering, a couple small encrustations on the obverse, tiny edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 3.056g, maximum diameter 20.2mm, die axis 180o, 233 A.D.; obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Sol standing left, radiate, nude but for cloak on shoulders billowing behind, raising right commanding the sun to rise, whip vertical behind in left.
Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. In 274 the Roman emperor Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. The god was favored by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine. The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them. It is commonly claimed that the date of 25 December for Christmas was selected in order to correspond with the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."
FORVM Ancient Coins / From The Sam Mansourati CollectionSam12/30/17 at 18:41Sam: Thank you dear friends Canaan ,Randy ,and nigel . ...
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Roman Empire , Emperor Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius . Travel series.Rome mint.
Laureate and draped bust right / HISPANIA, Hispania reclining left holding branch and resting elbow on rock; rabbit right before.
aVG
Sam12/26/17 at 15:44Sam: Man ! you never miss one . Thank you so much dear ...
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Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt.Billon tetradrachm, Dattari 5392; Geissen 3038; BMC Alexandria p. 303, 2327; Milne 4240; Curtis 1701; SNG Cop 847; Kampmann-Ganschow 104.25; Emmett 3883, VF, well centered on a tight flan, attractive style, dark patina with coppery high points, 10.116g, 20.3mm, 0o, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 269 - 28 Aug 270 A.D.; obverse AVT K KLAVDIOC CEB, laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse bust of Hermanubis right, wearing modius with lotus-petal in front, himation over shoulder, date LB (year 2) in left field, winged caduceus over palm in right.
Anubis, represented as a jackal or as a man with the head of a jackal, was the Egyptian god of the dead. He presided over the embalming of the dead and conducted souls into the underworld. The Greeks and Romans often scorned Egypt's animal-headed gods as bizarre and primitive (they mockingly called Anubis the Barker) but they also identified Anubis with Hermes, morphing them into Hermanubis.
EX; FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
**My comment; A Superb reverse . This is what I like to call, a forbidden to touch reverse for married gentelmen.
Sam12/26/17 at 15:41Sam: Thank you dear friend Oki , it is always a pleasur...
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Roman Empire , Emperor Philip I , the Syrian. AD 244 - 249Silver Antoninianus (21.2 mm & 3.93 g). Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Roma sitting left, holding Victory and scepter.
EF , Sear 8952. Sam12/26/17 at 15:40Sam: Thank you dear friend Canaan , it is always a plea...
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Tyre, Phoenicia, 106 - 105 B.C., Judas' 30 Pieces of SilverSilver Shekel, BMC Phoenicia p. 238, 99 (also with Phoenician letter nun between legs); HGC 10 357; Cohen DCA 919, EF, well centered and struck on a tight flan, toned, marks, encrustations, some light corrosion, 13.857g, 27.4mm, 0o, Tyre mint, c. 106 - 105 B.C.
Obverse : laureate head of Melqart right, lion's skin knotted around neck.
Reverse : TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (of Tyre the holy and inviolable), eagle left, right foot on ship's ram, palm frond under wing, date AK (year 21) over club left, HAP monogram right, Phoenician letter nun (control letter) between legs.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection / FORVM Ancient Coins.
Judas' 30 Pieces of Silver;
"Then one of the 12, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, 'What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?' And they covenanted with him for 30 pieces of silver." Matthew 26:14-15. Shekels of Tyre were the only currency accepted at the Jerusalem Temple and are the most likely coinage with which Judas was paid for the betrayal of Christ.
The Temple Tax Coin;
"..go to the sea and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou has opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them [the temple tax collectors] for me and thee." Since the tax was one half shekel per man the coin would have to be a shekel to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter. Matthew 17:24-27.
* Rare date.
**The most valuable type of coins in existence.
Sam12/26/17 at 15:39Sam: Thank you dears Joe , Nemonater , and Jay. I am gl...
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/25/17 at 13:20Sam: Thank you dear friend Pharsalos . I am glad that y...
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/24/17 at 17:55Sam: Look who is up , hello there Nemo . How are you ma...
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/24/17 at 17:25Sam: Hi Oki , thank you so much,always a pleasure to he...
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ROMAN EMPIRE, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-333 A.D.), Siscia, RIC VII 240, AE-3, -/-//•ΓSIS•, She-wolf left, C3!, #1ROMAN EMPIRE, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (330-333 A.D.), Siscia, RIC VII 240, AE-3, -/-//•ΓSIS•, She-wolf left, C3!, #1
avers: VRBS ROMA, Helmeted bust of Roma left.
reverse: She-wolf and twins, 2 stars above
exergue: -/-//•ΓSIS•, diameter: 17-18,5mm, weight: 2,71g, axis: 0h,
mint: Siscia, date: 334-335 A.D., RIC VII 240, p:456, C3!,
Q-001quadrans12/24/17 at 11:09Sam: One of the best She - Wolf reverse , really nice.
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam12/24/17 at 00:06Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...
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The Star of Beth-lehem – The Mystery Coin.The "Star of Bethlehem Coin" SYRIA, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch. Civic Issues. Year 105 (56/57 AD) ( under emperor Nero )
The "Star of Bethlehem Coin" SYRIA, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch. Civic Issues. Year 105 (56/57 AD). Æ 18mm (5.11 gm). Turreted and veiled bust of Tyche right / Ram running right, looking back, crescent and star above; date below. RPC I 4290; SNG Copenhagen 101.; Choice EF , Stunning for the type.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam12/13/17 at 16:33Sam: Thank you dear friends Oki and Joe it is always a ...
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The Star of Beth-lehem – The Mystery Coin.The "Star of Bethlehem Coin" SYRIA, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch. Civic Issues. Year 105 (56/57 AD) ( under emperor Nero )
The "Star of Bethlehem Coin" SYRIA, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch. Civic Issues. Year 105 (56/57 AD). Æ 18mm (5.11 gm). Turreted and veiled bust of Tyche right / Ram running right, looking back, crescent and star above; date below. RPC I 4290; SNG Copenhagen 101.; Choice EF , Stunning for the type.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam12/13/17 at 12:42Sam: Thank you dear friend Canaan.
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Roman Empire , Magnentius AE 23Obverse : DN MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, bare head, draped bust right.
Reverse : SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, Chi Rho flanked by A , and ω .
Superb early Christian A Chi-Rho ω .VF. Struck AD 350-353.
The first fully Christian design coin in history.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
The X and P Chi-Rho ( Greek ) is a Christian symbol consisting of the intersection of the capital Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), which are the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ, Christos). The Chi-Rho can represent either Christ or Christianity and is also known as a Christogram. Also called Labarum.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Under study.Sam12/09/17 at 10:22Sam: Thank you dear friends Norman and Jay , it is alwa...
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1348 Hadrian, Cistophorus IONIA Ephesus mint 128-38 AD Asclepius standingReference.
RPC III, 1348; RIC II 481a; Metcalf, Cistophori type 20 (unlisted dies); RSC 290.
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Bare head right
Rev. COS III
Asclepius standing front head l. holding serpent-wreathed rod in r., l. arm at side.
11.06 gr
28 mm
6h
Note.
CNG 409 lot 602
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 761612 (December 2005).okidoki11/09/17 at 18:37Sam: Fantastic.
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Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class A2-40b Follis, Attributed to Basil II & Constantine VII (976-1025), Constantinople Mint (Sear-1813, Sommer-40.2.7)Obv: + EMMA NOVHΛ IC - XC.
Bust of Christ facing, holding book of gospels, with nimbus. Cross on book of gospels; cross in each arm of gospel.
Rev: + IhSYS/ XRISTYS/ bASILEY/ bASILE.
Legend in four lines.Quant.Geek09/18/17 at 23:00Sam: This is an amazing portrait of Christ, a superb ad...
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RIC 0591 Domitian denarius SOLD!IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII
Laureate head right
IMP XV COS XIIII CENS P P P
Minerva advancing right with spear and shield
January 1- September 13, 88 AD
Rome
3.2g
RIC 591 (R2)
Sold to TC collection Sept 2023
Jay GT408/29/17 at 17:23Sam: Great addition.
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RIC 599 DomitianAR Quinarius, 1.61g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; Herald adv. l., with wand and shield
RIC 599 (C2). BMC 134. RSC 78. BNC 122.
Ex CNG E404, 23 August 2017, lot 504. Ex Helios 1, 17 April 2008, lot 248 (The Frank L. Kovacs Collection).
Unusually, this quinarius lacks the de rigueur Victory on the reverse, instead we have an interesting historical type of a Herald announcing Domitian's Ludi Saeculares. This was the only saeculum type struck on his quinarii. The games were held in 88 following the Augustan cycle. Presumably this piece was struck for commemorative purposes in conjunction with the games. RIC places the frequency rating for this type as 'very common' (C2), however, this seems a bit over generous. Perhaps a rating of 'common' (C) would be more appropriate. The upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda notes the frequency discrepancy, citing C. Clay's concern that only nineteen specimens are in King's survey of Roman quinarii.
A lovely piece with dark toning and fine style.David Atherton08/29/17 at 08:57Sam: Nice and artistic reverse . Great addition to our ...
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Octavian AR Denarius. Rome.Bare head of Octavian right / Arch surmounted by facing Quadriga bearing Octavian.
aF. 3.31 Gr.
Ref; RSC I: 123.
Sam08/27/17 at 15:14Sam: Thank you dear friend Alex , I will add the ref., ...
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Claudius II 268- 270 / Antoninianus Antoninianus, Claudius II right / Virtus walking right, Trophy on left shoulder, spear in right hand.
Nice portrait.
**The Golden Legend of 1260 AD recounts how St. Valentine refused to deny Christ before the "Emperor Claudius" in 270 AD ( in some ref ; 269 AD as he was beheaded in that year 269 AD ,per Sam) and as a result was beheaded. Since then, February 14 marks Valentine's Day, a day set aside by the Christian church in memory of the Roman priest and physician.
Sam08/22/17 at 23:15Sam: Thank you dear friend Oki , it is always a pleasur...
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Roman Republic / C. POSTUMIUS Denarius.Obverse : Bust of Diana draped right, bow and quiver on shoulder.
Reverse : Hound running right, hunting spear below, C.POSTVMI
TA or AT in exergue
Moneyer : Caius Postumius. Struck 74 BC , Max Diameter 17mm , 4.03 Gr.
EF , well centered and struck and attractive dark toning.
References ; Syd 785.
The hound was a constant companion of Diana in her capacity as the huntress.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam08/20/17 at 10:00Sam: Thank you dear friend Carthago , it is always a pl...
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Roman Empire , Maximinus I. AD 235-238. AR Denarius.Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC IV 16; gVF, .
2.98 Gr.Sam08/12/17 at 19:24Sam: Thank you dear friend Norman .
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Roman Empire , Emperor Philip I (AD 244 - 249) , the Syrian AR Antoninianus.IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG. Victory standing left, holding a wreath and a palm.
Ch EF , ( 23.7 mm & 4.07 Gr. ). Sear 8972.Sam08/12/17 at 11:44Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...
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RIC 0640 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P, Laureate head right, with aegis
Rev: S-C, in exergue; Domitian standing left, with thunderbolt and spear, crowned by Victory, standing left
AE/Sestertius (35.88 mm 27.28 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88-89 A.D.
RIC 640 (R), BMCRE 410, BNF unlisted
Purchased from Dr. Busso Peus on MA-ShopsFlaviusDomitianus08/07/17 at 10:35Sam: Superb.
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Octavian AR Denarius. Rome.Bare head of Octavian right / Arch surmounted by facing Quadriga bearing Octavian.
aF. 3.31 Gr.
Ref; RSC I: 123.
Sam08/01/17 at 19:28Sam: Thank you dear friend David, it is always a pleasu...
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Emperor PHILIP I , Commemorating the 1000th Anniversary of Rome.PHILIP I , The Syrian (244–249). Silver Antoninianus. Rome.
Obverse : IMP PHILIPPVS AVG.
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse : SAECVLARES AVGG / I. Lion walking right.
Rome mint , year AD 248
4.28 g. Max Diameter 23 mm. ChVF . RIC 12.
EX Pecunem 33 Lot 566
Philip I was the first Roman emperor believed in Christianity.
While Roman emperor Constantine the Great or the first was the first Roman emperor
believed in Christianity and announced it as the religion of the Roman empire.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam07/28/17 at 12:12Sam: Thank you dear friend Q, it is always a pleasure t...
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Octavian AR Denarius. Rome.Bare head of Octavian right / Arch surmounted by facing Quadriga bearing Octavian.
aF. 3.31 Gr.
Ref; RSC I: 123.
Sam07/28/17 at 12:11Sam: Thanks Dave !
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Roman Republic / C. POSTUMIUS Denarius.Obverse : Bust of Diana draped right, bow and quiver on shoulder.
Reverse : Hound running right, hunting spear below, C.POSTVMI
TA or AT in exergue
Moneyer : Caius Postumius. Struck 74 BC , Max Diameter 17mm , 4.03 Gr.
EF , well centered and struck and attractive dark toning.
References ; Syd 785.
The hound was a constant companion of Diana in her capacity as the huntress.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam07/28/17 at 12:09Sam: Thanks Randy !
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Roman Republic / C. POSTUMIUS Denarius.Obverse : Bust of Diana draped right, bow and quiver on shoulder.
Reverse : Hound running right, hunting spear below, C.POSTVMI
TA or AT in exergue
Moneyer : Caius Postumius. Struck 74 BC , Max Diameter 17mm , 4.03 Gr.
EF , well centered and struck and attractive dark toning.
References ; Syd 785.
The hound was a constant companion of Diana in her capacity as the huntress.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam07/27/17 at 19:56Sam: I knew you would love it , thanks David my dear fr...
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Byzantine Empire / Basil II. And Constantine VIII.Anonymous AE of Christ 976 - 1025 AD , uncertain mint.
Obverse : + Emma NOVHL / IC - XC, Christ bust.
Reverse : + IhSVS / XRISTVS / BASILEV / BASILE, top & Below vegetal ornament.
Ch VF ,10.14 gr 28.5 mm
Sear 1813
Sam07/25/17 at 11:27Sam: Thank you dear friend Alex , it is always a pleasu...
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Roman Republic / C. POSTUMIUS Denarius.Obverse : Bust of Diana draped right, bow and quiver on shoulder.
Reverse : Hound running right, hunting spear below, C.POSTVMI
TA or AT in exergue
Moneyer : Caius Postumius. Struck 74 BC , Max Diameter 17mm , 4.03 Gr.
EF , well centered and struck and attractive dark toning.
References ; Syd 785.
The hound was a constant companion of Diana in her capacity as the huntress.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam07/24/17 at 11:49Sam: Thank you dear friend ickster .
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Roman Empire , Emperor Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D.Silver Denarius.
Ref; RIC IV 251; RSC III 302; BMCRE V p. 451, 103; Hunter III 27; SRCV II 6834, Very Fine , excellent portrait, slightly off center on a broad flan, some die wear, Rome mint, weight 3.232g, maximum diameter 19.2mm, die axis 180o, Struck in 215 A.D..
Obverse : ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate head right.
Reverse : P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P (high priest, tribune of the people for 18 years, consul 4 times, father of the country), Aesculapius standing slightly right, head left, leaning on snake-entwined staff in right hand, globe at feet on right.
Asclepius is the god of medicine and healing in ancient Greek mythology. Asclepius represents the healing aspect of the medical arts, while his daughters Hygieia, Meditrina, Iaso, Aceso, Aglaea and Panacea (literally, "all-healing") symbolize the forces of cleanliness, medicine, and healing.
The Sam Mansourati Collection./Given as a souvenir to a superb dear friend Dr. Joseph Diaz.
Sam07/21/17 at 18:57Sam: Thank you dear friends.
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Ephesus, Ionia390-320 BC
AR Diobol (10mm, 1.02g)
O: Bee with straight wings, within dotted border.
R: Confronted heads of two stags; EΦ above.
SNG Cop 242-43; SNG von Aulock 1835; SNG München 32; Sear 4375v; BMC Ionia 53, 53;
ex Forvm Ancient Coins
The bee was sacred to the goddess Artemis, whose famous sanctuary at Ephesus was tended by Her priestesses, known collectively as Melissae, a word which translates as ‘bee’, or by some accounts ‘honey gatherer’. It is no surprise then that the coins of this city should feature the bee on their obverse.
Enodia07/09/17 at 17:16Sam: Congratulations !
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Philip II, July or August 247 - Late 249 A.D.Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 230, RSC IV 17, Hunter III 23, SRCV III 9265, Choice EF, excellent portrait, well centered and struck, light toning on mint luster, edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 4.274g, maximum diameter 22.2mm, die axis 180o, 11th emission, 249 A.D.; obverse IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse LIBERALITAS AVGG III, Philip I and Philip II seated left on curule chairs presiding at their third largesse, both laureate, togate, and extending right hand, Philip I on left and holding short scepter in right hand.
EX FORVM.
*One of the best reverse , I have ever seen.
The curule chair was for senior magistrates including dictators, masters of the horse, consuls, praetors, censors, and the curule aediles. As a form of a throne, it might be given as an honor to foreign kings recognized formally as a friend (amicus) by the Roman people or senate. Designed for use by commanders in the field, the curule chair could be folded for easy transport. It had no back, low arms, curved legs forming an X, and was traditionally made of or veneered with ivory.
Sam07/08/17 at 16:25Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay .
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RIC 0817 VespasianusObv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M T P P P COS VI, Laureate head right
Rev: S C (in exergue), The temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus: Hexastyle temple within which, statue of Jupiter seated facing flanked by statues of Juno and Minerva standing facing; on either side of the temple, a statue. The pediment is decorated with statues of the Capitoline Triad and other figures; roof surmounted by quadriga on top, and eagles on either side.
AE/Sestertius (33.19 mm 24.39 gr 6h) Struck in Rome 75 A.D.
RIC 817 (R3, same obverse die), BMCRE-BNF unisted
ex N.A.C. Auction 100 part 2 lot 1810FlaviusDomitianus07/02/17 at 21:50Sam: Superb.
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MYSIA: KyzikosMYSIA, Kyzikos, c. 460 BC. Acheloios Aisepos as a man-faced bull to right on tuny. Ex. CNG.Molinari05/25/17 at 00:09Sam: A treasure .
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G. Iulius Caesar, Crawford 480/13Gaius Iulius Caesar, 13.6.100-15.3.41 BC, gens Iulia
AR - Denar, 3.83g, 19.7mm, 90°
Rome, Feb.-Mar. 44 BC
moneyer P. Sepullius Macer
obv. Head of Caesar, wreathed and veiled, r.
before CAESAR, behind DICT PERPETVO
rev. r. P SERPVLLVS, l. MACER (both from top to bottom)
Venus Victrix with bare l. breast, stg. l., holding small Victory in xxtended r. hand and resting with raised l. hand on lpng sceptre on which is leaning the shield set on ground
ref. Crawford 480/13; Sydenham 1074; RSC Julius Caesar 39; BMCRR I Rome 4173; SRCV I 1414; Vagi 56; Sear CRI 107d
VF, portrait!, toned, scratches, somewhat excentric
From Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!
From highest historical importance: The 1st portrait of Iulius Caesar and the coin that killed Caesar!
Please, take a look at http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=109646.0Jochen05/19/17 at 09:46Sam: Merci beaucoup, Jochen.
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G. Iulius Caesar, Crawford 480/13Gaius Iulius Caesar, 13.6.100-15.3.41 BC, gens Iulia
AR - Denar, 3.83g, 19.7mm, 90°
Rome, Feb.-Mar. 44 BC
moneyer P. Sepullius Macer
obv. Head of Caesar, wreathed and veiled, r.
before CAESAR, behind DICT PERPETVO
rev. r. P SERPVLLVS, l. MACER (both from top to bottom)
Venus Victrix with bare l. breast, stg. l., holding small Victory in xxtended r. hand and resting with raised l. hand on lpng sceptre on which is leaning the shield set on ground
ref. Crawford 480/13; Sydenham 1074; RSC Julius Caesar 39; BMCRR I Rome 4173; SRCV I 1414; Vagi 56; Sear CRI 107d
VF, portrait!, toned, scratches, somewhat excentric
From Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!
From highest historical importance: The 1st portrait of Iulius Caesar and the coin that killed Caesar!
Please, take a look at http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=109646.0Jochen05/14/17 at 23:39Sam: Historical coin, and impressive is the write up by...
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Roman Empire , empress Julia Domna, Augusta 194 - 8 April 217 A.D. (Wife of emperor Septimius Severus , mother of emperor Caracalla and co-emperor Geta.)Silver Denarius, RIC IV S546, RSC III 14, BMCRE V S10, SRCV II 6576, Choice VF, excellent portrait, well centered, 3.253 gr, 18.9 mm , 0o, Rome mint, struck in year 200 A.D.
Obverse : IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right.
Reverse : CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres seated left, heads of grain in right hand, long torch behind in left hand.
Scarce.
Gorgeous portrait.
The most powerful woman in Roman Empire history.
FORVM Ancient Coins/ The Sam Mansourati Collection .
*Ceres a goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships, was listed among the Di Consentes, Rome's equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology. The Romans saw her as the counterpart of the Greek goddess Demeter, whose mythology was reinterpreted for Ceres in Roman art and literature.
***Julia Domna was the second wife of Septimius Severus and mother of Caracalla and Geta. An intelligent, talented and beautiful woman, Julia Domna exercised great influence during her husband's reign and practically administered the empire for her sons. In 217 A.D. after the assassination of Caracalla, she possibly committed suicide by starvation or she died of breast cancer.
Given as a Christmas present to a superb dear friend.Sam05/10/17 at 15:24Sam: My dear friend John , thank you so much for the ni...
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Octavian AR Denarius. Rome.Bare head of Octavian right / Arch surmounted by facing Quadriga bearing Octavian.
aF. 3.31 Gr.
Ref; RSC I: 123.
Sam04/21/17 at 14:45Sam: Thank you so much dear friend Jay , always honor &...
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31 ff., SGCV I 2526, EF, light scuff on cheek, 17.184g, 25.6mm, 180o, Athens mint, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
A superb beauty ex FORVM .
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam04/19/17 at 12:05Sam: Thank you so much dear friends Jay and Leo. Jay , ...
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GREEK, Brutus, Koson, StaterRoman 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 UNC
RPC I 1701; BMC Thrace p. 208, 1; BMCRR II 48; Crawford 433/1
Clickable for a larger image
  Jay GT402/15/17 at 18:17Sam: Superb addition, congratulations !
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Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC IV 120, RSC III 440, BMCRE VI 930, Hunter III 66, SRCV II 7915, Superb EF, excellent portrait, fantastic Sol, perfect centering, a couple small encrustations on the obverse, tiny edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 3.056g, maximum diameter 20.2mm, die axis 180o, 233 A.D.; obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Sol standing left, radiate, nude but for cloak on shoulders billowing behind, raising right commanding the sun to rise, whip vertical behind in left.
Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. In 274 the Roman emperor Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. The god was favored by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine. The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them. It is commonly claimed that the date of 25 December for Christmas was selected in order to correspond with the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."
FORVM Ancient Coins / From The Sam Mansourati CollectionSam02/01/17 at 23:47Sam: Thank you , Enodia . I highly value your comments.
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0038 Hadrian Dupondius 117 AD ConcordiaReference.
RIC II, 538b; C. 260; BMC 1107; Strack 502; RIC 38
Bust B1
Obv. IMP CAES DIVI TRAIAN AVG F TRAIAN HADRIAN OPT AVG GER
Radiate, cuirassed with exposed upper part of breastplate with balteus strap
Rev. DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS P P; CONCORDIA in ex. S C in ex.
Concordia seated left on throne, holding out patera and resting on a figure of Spes; cornucopiae under throne.
12.31gr
28 mm
12h
.
Note.
From the Estate Collection of Dr. Richard Dotyokidoki01/31/17 at 09:22Sam: Simply spectacular !
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Taras, Calabria385-380 BC.
AR Obol (9mm, 0.48g).
O: Head of nymph Satyra right.
R: Three crescents facing outward around central pellet.
D'Andrea XXII, 405; Vlasto ----; HN Italy 924v (head left)
Very Rare
ex Savoca Coins
A rare and previously unpublished variety with the nymph facing right. Vlasto knew of only the left-facing type, and his specimen may have been unique.
I’ve gone with Vlasto’s dating on this one, although based on style I believe this should probably be revised to a slightly later date.
Enodia01/28/17 at 15:06Sam: What a rarity , thank you , for sharing.
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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
Jay GT401/26/17 at 23:29Sam: Superb addition, congratulations !
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Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm.Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm (17 mm, 5.68 g). Facing male heads, the right inverted / IΣTPIH, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; between eagle and dolphin, Δ; below dolphin, monogram. SNG BM 243; SNG Stancomb 146. Nice old toning. Good very fine.
EX VAuctions - Sale 322 - Lot 65.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam01/08/17 at 15:11Sam: Thank you Dear Friend , Randy.
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Ikhshidid: Abu'l-Qasim (334-349 AH) AV Dinar, Misr, 341 AH (Album-676)Quant.Geek01/07/17 at 11:34Sam: Under the Abbasid Qualifa Al-Mutii Lillah ا...
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RPC 2464 Titus AR Tetradrachm, 12.70g
Alexandria mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: AYTOK TITOY KAIΣ OYEΣΠAΣIANOY ΣEB; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΣAPA-ΠIΣ; bust of Sarapis, r., date LB before bust
RPC 2464 (13 spec.).
Ex JW Harper Collection.
No coinage for Titus at Alexandria was struck during his first regnal year (24 June to 28 August 79), so the earliest coins from that mint are dated to his second regnal year (29 August 79 to 28 August 80). There had been a four year gap since the last issue of tetradrachms were struck under Vespasian. Three reverse types were initially coined for Titus - Euthenia, Homonoia, and Sarapis, none of which are carry-overs from Vespasian's tetradrachm issues. Butcher and Ponting have found Titus' tetradrachms were struck with near 19.5% silver fineness from recycled metals, consistent with the earlier issues minted for Vespasian.
Engraved in good Alexandrian style. Both busts are superb.
David Atherton01/04/17 at 23:44Sam: Superb addition, congratulations !
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